Secret of the scoffers

by BEEZY MARSH, Daily Mail

It is one of life's mysteries - how can some people eat as much as they like and stay slim while others put on weight?

Now scientists have found the first proof that those who say 'It's all because of my metabolism' are right.

Some people's genetic make-up does give them a natural advantage when it comes to staying slim, say researchers at Leeds University.

After studying 200 volunteers they found that some can consume 3,000 calories a day and not put on weight while others pile on the pounds.

Differences in metabolic rate - the speed at which the body uses up energy - are thought to play a key role.

The resting heart rate of those who are naturally lean, despite consuming a high-fat diet, is faster than their tubbier counterparts who also have a taste for fattening foods.

The experts say this is evidence that their bodies are naturally more prone to use up energy and keep them slim.

But the study also showed that those who put on fat more easily also tend to want to eat more and naturally are less active during the day - meaning they face a double whammy from extra calories consumed.

The findings were presented in London yesterday to the Association for the Study of Obesity.

Professor John Blundell, head of the department of psychology at Leeds University, who is leading the study, said: 'When it comes to diets, one size does not fit all.

'Not all humans are the same when it comes to weight loss. We don't have all the answers yet, but the early signs are that there are some who naturally have an advantage because of their metabolism.

'They are naturally lean, despite eating high-fat foods which may make others put on weight.'

The volunteers in the study were mainly men in their twenties and thirties.

Some were overweight and some naturally slim - but all had a tendency to enjoy high-fat foods, such as meat pies, sausages and pastries, eating around 3,000 calories a day.

Measuring their heart rate overnight - when it would normally be slow, because the body is resting - provided the biggest clue to the secret of the leaner group.

Professor Blundell said: 'We were quite surprised to find what we did. It is a sign that their metabolism is working differently, but we cannot yet say why.

'There were also interesting differences in their attitude to food. The people who were susceptible to putting on weight were more likely to accept food if offered, and to snack opportunistically.

'They actually enjoyed their food more than the leaner group.'

He said the findings would eventually help doctors determine which patients were most likely to need extra help losing weight.

He added: 'Losing weight is not just as simple as going on a diet. Some people may need more lifestyle changes and greater support while others may have a natural advantage.'

b.marsh@dailymail.co.uk

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