Tag: change

Are We That Similar to Chimpanzees?

A few days ago I heard a good friend of my dads talking about obesity and how it is a major problem in America. The topic of obesity is one that I understand and can relate to due to the fact that I was obese (BMI greater than 30) from my senior year of high school to the beginning of my sophomore year in college. Looking back at my pictures and seeing how much larger my face and body was at the time is embarrassing to me. It is complicated for me to understand that I didn’t really do much to get to that point, meaning I was athletic and eating rather healthy, but the weight I gained was all from my hormonal disorder called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Below is a picture of me when I was obese (on the right) to when I was at a much healthier weight (on the left). Duke University decided to do some research and compare people and their DNA to chimpanzees and their DNA. Despite sharing 99% of our DNA with chimpanzees, it seems as though there have been some changes to ours. Although the fat cells are not the only thing that has changed with our DNA, human’s brain sizes have nearly tripled compared to the chimpanzees, despite that being a positive aspect, most of our changes impact us negatively. It is clear though, that humans are much more obese than our primate relatives. It has been found that “the regions of the genome that help turn white fat to brown were essentially locked up — tucked away and closed for business”, according to the Duke University Study this was only found in humans, and not in the chimpanzees. Researchers are trying to figure out a way to change our bodies abilities to turn white fat into beige or brown fat which would eventually make it easier for us to slim down, or lose weight. It is going to take quite a lot of research in order to figure this one out, researchers from the Duke University Study already know it won’t be “as simple as flipping a switch. If it were, we would have figured this out a long time ago”. Researches have been working long and hard to try and reverse the changes we already made to our DNA. The question lies though, does our DNA change have to do with all of the process foods that we now consume, or does DNA change every so often on it’s own?

My Continuation

It Continues….

Throughout my life I’ve been active in year round competitive sports and I’ve always eaten fairly healthy foods. Despite this I have always struggled with weight issues. When I was very young my mom began bringing me to doctors to see why I kept gaining more and more weight. No one had a reason and all of them had the same advice: eat healthier and work out. Although it is easily said and I have tried, it is harder done. As the years passed I tried to stay positive, but found it extremely difficult when I could do nothing in my power to lose weight. Then three years ago I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Some of the symptoms of this condition include weight gain and difficulty losing weight. Although I finally had a reason why I struggled with weight loss, I felt utterly defeated, depressed, frustrated. I continued to work out on my own, to no avail. With the odds stacked against me I reluctantly signed up for small group training (with Fit Figures) this past spring. After only six weeks of training I lost a total of 20 pounds, gained body strength and developed knowledge about a healthier lifestyle. Finally! This program was exactly what I was searching for. I still have work to do, but I’m well on my way. I am so grateful to the trainers for pushing me to my limits and helping me to make significant progress in my journey. As you can see in the picture posted above not only am I more tan, but I am a lot thinner than before. Although this is all about my last summer adventure with weight loss, it is time for me to get back with what I am doing. I have been working out for a month at Fit Figures again since being back from college. So far, I am down ten pounds. At Fit Figures I am pushed beyond belief, having a personal trainer and small group sessions is truly life changing. They make sure that I correctly do exercises and even give people a meal plan. I would say they give me a meal plan but the doctor has me on a different diet (low carb with fasting). One thing that keeps me motivated to keep going to the gym (Fit Figures) are their competitions. Fit Figures always hosts competitions to encourage weight loss and a continuation at the gym. The prizes result in cash, exercise equipment or just a major congratulations with the success. I am looking forward to my successful journey this summer and I cannot wait to share my results.