National Science Day: Science of Weight Loss Explained

Every year in India, on February 28, National Science Day is celebrated to mark the discovery of the Raman effect by an Indian renowned scientist, Sir, Dr. CV Raman. This day signifies the importance of science in our daily life. Similarly, there is science behind weight loss too. No matter what methods you are using, if you know the science of weight loss you can achieve your goal effectively and in a safe manner. Curious to know how ? Let’s dig a little deeper. 

Science Behind Weight Loss

People think losing fat can lead them to weight loss. However, not every fat loss is weight loss. Science behind fat loss is quite complicated. Some people believe that not having a faster metabolism is the reason behind not losing weight. If you follow the right way, you can lose weight whether your metabolism is fast or slow. 

To understand the science of weight loss, everyone should be aware of the factors like metabolism, fats, water level, exercises, calorie intake, nutrients, and others. 

1. Fat and Fat loss 

Fat consists of more calories than carbs and proteins. Fats are stored in the body which is also known as the energy storage system which is quite helpful in famine times for long-time survival. But how do we store fats?

Our body breaks down the starches in carbohydrates into glucose. It is the fuel source for the cells that oxidizes for energy. But when people eat too many calories, excess glucose gets converted into glycogen in the liver and deposited as fat in adipose tissues, so that the body can use it later. 

Likewise, when we eat protein in large amounts, excess amino acids get converted into fats and get deposited as well. As long as we have excess energy supply from external sources in our bloodstream, the fat cells remain untouched and in fact keep growing. In absence of fat breakdown, we end up storing fats in unwanted parts of the body. Now, how is fat loss possible? 

Our body consists of a complex hormone signaling system for the inhibition of the breakdown of fat. It releases insulin when meals elevate the blood sugar level. It communicates to the body that the fat cells are on hold so muscles and other tissues have to absorb the glucose first. This process leads to fat burning. 

2. Body and Water Weights

Water is an integral part of the body. Normally, it makes upto 60% of total body weight in adults. When water starts building up more than that in the body, it is called water weight. This is also called edema which is the cause of puffiness, bloating, and uncomfortable feelings around the belly, arms, and legs. Let’s know how to lose water weight. 

Dehydration can encourage the body to hold water in absence of the right levels that can also increase the water weight. To avoid the situation, it is important to drink plenty of water. It sounds counterintuitive but is true. Also, a good level of water improves kidney function that allows sodium and extra water to fish out from the system. 

Limit the carbohydrate intake, as it is one of the reasons to store the water in the body. Replacing the carbs intake with protein intake can reduce the water weight build up in the body. Replace sodium-rich foods with low or zero sodium foods to beat water weight. High intake of sodium or salt is the reason behind immediate water retention. So, keep the water and salt ratio in balance in the body. 

Include magnesium oxide and vitamin B6 in the daily needs of the nutrients, as these are natural remedies for water retention. 

3. Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

Breathing, maintaining body temperature, adjusting hormone levels, circulating blood, sleeping, sitting,  producing new cells and recycling old ones, brain and nerve function, and some other pivotal activities burn almost 70% calories on a daily basis. All such things decide your basal metabolic rate. 

Other than that, 20% calories burn while doing physical activities and the rest 10% are used in digesting the food. So, you have control over only those 20% of calories. Metabolism mainly consists of two kinds of activities that occur simultaneously. It includes  anabolism (building up tissues and storing energy in the body) and catabolism (breaking down tissues and energy to get more fuel for various bodily functions). 

With drinking sufficient amounts of water, you can increase your nutrient and oxygen flow in the body that increases metabolism. Intense exercises with the right amount of nutrients can boost the metabolism at a very good level. Along with that, healthy habits, improved sleep, breathing patterns, and right food choices can improve the BMR. 

Conclusion

The science of weight loss is complicated. It is regulated by sleep, physical activity, lifestyle, calorie intake, nutrients composition, stress, and other factors. Only by understanding this science, can you have full control over your weight. This National Science Day, make sure you understand what it takes to manage your weight and pave your way to leading the life of your choice. Happy National Science Day to you all!