Sadly, I think it is mostly our choices too. Yes, I think there is a hormonal component that I suspect is more of an issue for some than others. My cousin pointed out to me that most of the men in our family have been tall and thin and the women short and heavy, wth? So, probably hormones play a role.
My mom was one of six children. Out of the girls, she was the only slender one. But, she paid close attention to what she ate. She weighed several times a week and made a mental note of what seemed to cause weight gain. Bread was somewhat of an issue, so she did not eat bread daily. Or if she felt like bread, she had 1/2 a slice. She simply didn't eat sweets unless it was a special occasion because she knew for a fact sweets put weight on her. No way in hexx did my aunts (her sisters) do this type of thing. They ate pasta, bread, sweets, large portions etc. and they were heavy.
I also think exercise is helpful. But, for me, I have noticed that heavy exercise can open up my appetite and make it harder for me to make good choices.
And some health issues now make heavy exercise pretty much out of the question at this time.
Not too long ago I lost about fifteen pounds and was able to do it with small portions, clean eating and light exercise. I think being sedentary is likely problematic.
I do think it is not the same for everyone. I do think there are definately subtle, but important differences for each of us. We are all unique. But, I also think the basics are still in play...Burn more calories than you eat, avoid sweets (blood sugar stability), avoid dehydration, keep active, etc.
Even if a person only lost 1/2 pound a week, which is a little slow and frustrating, it is still losing.
I find maintenance very hard as well. This is why, in my humble opinion, it's important to weigh often even after you've reached goal weight. And if there is a hormonal reason we re gain the weight, I don't know how to overcome that ??? But, some people manage.
Anyway, this has inspired me to get more serious again and I'm back to using my fitness app tomorrow.
