There is a lot of research being touted about that claims that new research proves that obesity is caused by hereditary. The message of most of this is that it’s not your fault if you are fat: it’s biology and the environment. I’m sure that genes have a part to play in the big picture, but I also think it’s dangerous to start believing that you have to be fat. I don’t like emphasizing the heredity aspect because it is does not empower you to become whatever you’d like to be: you are still in control!

Sure, you might have problematic genes, but the only way you are going to get a healthy body is if you take personal responsibility for yourself and for your body. I’m not being insensitive: I understand that weight loss might be more difficult for some people because of heredity.

This body type you have is largely inherited just like your eyes and hair. At first, none of us gets to choose our body make up. In fact, a psychology has developed a system to classify body types in the following categories: ectomorphs, mesomorphs and endomorphs.

The ectomorphs are thin and usually don’t have weight problems even if they eat a lot.

Mesomorphs are the ones who are naturally inclined to athletics: they can build muscle and lose fat almost at their will. Then the ones with the round bodies and the big bones are the endomorphs who retain fat and struggle with weight and exercise.

Part of the endomorphic problem is that they have metabolic issues with carbohydrates, producing too much insulin.

The condition they develop is a resistance to insulin, resulting in weight gain. So while you may have a legitimate health issue, you need to find ways to overcome it rather than let yourself be limited by it.