Sorry for the confusion. Thermodynamics obviously governs fat loss, but I think that if it was as easy as telling people what to eat and how to exercise we’d have a world full of healthy people that was free of obesity. Sadly, it isn’t that easy. So many factors play a part in why people are overweight and that is what I was really driving it. It isn’t always just that people are lazy (although that may be the case for some).

Mental illness (particularly depression) is very high in people who are obese. Which one came first is subject to debate, but there is definitely a relationship. Also, adult ADHD has been related to obesity and treatment with drugs for this condition can reduce body weight and help to improve lifestyle habits.

Gene mutations, tastes formed in utero, poor gut health, neurophysiological cravings, neuromarketing, pain conditions, certain medications, metabolic disorders, and social conditioning among other things can contribute to weight gain.

To think weight gain is simple is pretty naive and that’s really what I was getting at.

Thanks for the comment!

I am a little confused about your post. While I know it is not as simple for a lot of people, when you dig into the bio psycho and social approaches. The advice needs to be much more detailed and individualized to the specifics of the person and what they are struggling with, I understand all of that, especially when an eating disorder is present. Metabolism, hormone function, water retention, and much much more can be thrown off.

I am wondering if you are questioning the law of thermodynamics? I am not sure if I am misunderstanding the post?

To my knowledge there are studies that have been done on individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome, where in a calorie controlled environment they are able to lose weight, the key is adapting to the ever changing caloric needs for weight loss.

I apologize if I am misunderstanding the post, Its a complex issue that is not solved by blanket statements, but in the simplest terms the law of thermodynamics still applies?

Great post!