Comment on Daily Mail article dated Jul 8 2009

Source: A legacy of flab fighting: Have you inherited your mother's body?


Of course there is a hereditary aspect to everyone’s weight, metabolism and body shape. But it is not the only factor and yet is used by a lot of people as an excuse or a way of deferring the blame away from them. They use the argument that 'everyone in my family is big' as a way of rationalising their weight problems.

In reality the usual reason that someone is overweight 'like their mum' is the lifestyle traits they share rather than genetic make-up. We all learn by example so if someone’s mother lives a sedentary lifestyle, the chances are the children will follow suit and do the same. The result of this will be they will gain weight in the same way.

When clients come to me with this 'explanation' for their weight gain I try to explain to them that if they really want to lose weight, what other members of their family are like will not prevent them from doing so.  I have worked with people who have used this excuse, only to go and lose massive amounts of weight by following my exercise and nutritional guidelines. 

So in conclusion if you really want to lose weight YOU have to take responsibility. Firstly responsibility for your current weight problems, and secondly responsibility for losing the weight. Only then will you achieve the body shape you want

Expert: Cathy Castle