I want to ask if obesity a genetic factor? My sister has been overweight almost all of her life, and now her sixteen year old daughter is facing this too. Though she has just started putting on weight during her summer vacations, but now we all are worried. I have heard of Diet Pills which help to lose weight. But if obesity is genetically caused, then will diet pills or other weight loss programs have any effect. According to a news (http://www.joslin.org/news/obesity02.shtml) published way back in August 2001, genes do play a vital role. Moreover I got some good information regarding weight loss (http://www.slimtour.com/weight_loss_tips.html). There are different weight loss programs available in the market, all have its own pros and cons. But about what I am worried is that will all these programs overcome the influence of genetic factors.

Hey I have the same problem my hole family is big and since I had my son I have gained a lot of weight so I was just woundering when someone gives you a answer if its genetic or not could you buzz me the answer please.

Sad to say, Obesity is very genetically related. When you have parents who are big, there is a big chance you will be too. I have friends who have thin parents & they eat like crazy while a few fries goes straight to my hips!

Thanks for that so does that mean give up on being skinner or just keep up the exercise all the time and keep trying to lose the weight.

Just eat right & exercise. But why do you want to be skinny? Tell you what, the good thing about having a big family & you are exercising to shed those pounds is that you will not be skinny but VOLUPTEOUS. I mean major curves in all the right places. Compare a very skinny girl & a "just right" one in a skimpy bikini. Who do you think will turn heads? I think not the very skinny one would. As a good male friend once told me,"skinny is best with their clothes on". Fat is not all that bad. Its has cosmetic & insulator purposes as well. So aim to be the right weight for you.Goodluck!

Hi,
Yes, it has to do with genes.
And NO, you can lose weight, regardless, just depends on how much.
One of the best programs out there is Weight Watchers.
It depends on how much you really want it.
Also, the calorie intact should be around 2000 calories per day; 24 hours.
That is the max calorie intact a person, on the average, should have to maintain weight and be healthy.
Get a cheap "calorie counter" paperback book. Add up all the calories you are eating and drinking in a 24 hours period. Bet it's a whole lot more than 2000!
Most people who are overweight take in about 4 to 5000 calories a day! The body cannot burn off the excess calories over 2000, therefore, they keep gaining weight.
Best of luck,
fredg

Yes, even though this is something that is past on through the parents you should not let that get you down. Diet pills I think is not good for you but walking and things like that will help a lot. You can get some hand weights for when you sitting different things like that will help. Also watch what you eat that is a big factor.