Why is dieting and exercising such an unprecise area?

[Arkitech]

Its amazing how many schools of thoughts there are in determining what's an acceptable form of diet and exercise. Some people say that a good diet to lose weight is low fat and high carbs, other people say low carbs and high protein, still others say that a balance of carbs, protein and fat is the only way to go. But yet with each of those above scenarios there are always examples of people who have found sucess with each one of those diets.

Then there's the hotly debated topic of exercise and what's acceptable weight loss. I've heard it said a thousand times that its only possible to lose 2-3 pounds of fat per week, but yet I've seen many people who've proved that its possible to lose more than 3 pounds of fat per week AND put on muscle. The same applies to weight training and other exercising, some groups say that a schedule of 3-5 days is sufficient to build muscle and burn fat while there are other groups who advocate 7 day training programs. Again there are many examples on both sides to show success with either mode of training.

So with all of this conflicting information how the hell can someone make an intelligent choice on what they should be doing? Should it be based on the individual? Is it based on body type; ecto or endomorph? Or could it even be based on blood type that makes a difference on the results you get from a particular diet or exercise regimine?

Anyone have some thoughts on any of this?

 

[Thaibox]

There's a ton of variables effecting this.

Genetics and physical conditions
Genetics are obviously a huge factor. But, there are also physical variances and conditions that can dramatically effect the results of an individual. Metabolism, blood cell ratios, muscle fiber types, thyroid conditions, etc etc.

Mind
People all have different ideas of what intensity or even hard work is. What some fat lazy slob considers hard work and intensity is probably slightly different than what a seasoned strongman thinks. If 2 people of similar body type follow the exact same routine for the same results, they could come out with different results simply because one of them just doesn't have what it takes to go to the point it takes to progress. A relative pain factor can never be quantified between different people. So, what may be pain beyond failure to me may be nothing to you, and you can cruise past that point of pain, but we wouldn't know that.

HEART
Let's face it. Some people just don't have it.

 

[tsarleon]

good pts thaibox.... the mind is crucial

 

[casualbb]

There are so many different physiological processes that go on not-quite independently of one another that science doesn't even know half of them. The body is just one giant, elaborate equilibrium, and messing with one element of it requires and causes changes in others.

That being said, there are some things we understand and some training programs take those into account, usually to the benefit of those using it.

-casualbb

 

[louden_swain]

chemistry. . . body chemistry

 

[Arkitech]

Interesting theories floating around here, but I'd like to see someone take a jab at this one. Why is it said that its only possible to lose around 2-3 pounds of fat per week? Should'nt that really be determined by the individual's exercise program and their base metabolic rate?

For example lets say you have Man1 and Man2

Man1 has a muscular build but he also has 15 pounds of fat

Man2 has a slender build with very little muscle but he also like Man1 has 15 pounds of fat


If Man2 limits his calorie intake and works out regularly (running and weight lifting) he can lose 2-3 pounds of fat per week

If Man1 limits his calorie intake and works out regularly (running and weight lifting) he should logically lose MORE than Man2 maybe even twice as much because his base metabolic rate will be higher because of his muscular build


Would'nt that prove the 3 pounds of fat per week theory invalid?

 

[Lee]

The only diet that will let u put on muscle as well as burn fat is a balanced one. High protein low carb doesnt let u build muscle because u need carbs to energize and transport nutrients to your muscles to let them grow. High carb low protein is just ridiculous either way you look at it. But genetics plays a huge part too, fast metabolism, slow metabolism, big frame, small frame, it all varies, no one diet works for everyone.

 

[Zyglamail]

Interesting theories floating around here, but I'd like to see someone take a jab at this one. Why is it said that its only possible to lose around 2-3 pounds of fat per week?

I dont think anyone said its only possible, What is meant is it best/healthiest to lose no more than that. The reason being is that our bodies are governed by homeostasis as well as an underlying desire to survive. With that in mind, if you start to lose bodyweight too rapidly, your body assumes its starving and can radically adjust hormone levels to help try and prolong your existance. In doing so it sets up a very poor environment for retaining mass and can lead to other issues as well.