Weight difference

Question
George
I am a 46 year old male,5'8",230 lbs.Although I carry some weight around the middle,I am in decent shape eat right and get lots of exercise.
I have a co-worker that is the same age and height as me.We have similar physiques,but he weighs 195 lbs.Plus,he eats whatever he wants whenever he wants and stays the same weight.I eat a lot less than he does as I gain easily.He works out,but not as much as me.He does get up earlier to walk his dog daily.
Is it a case of good genetics for him and bad for me?

Answer
Hello Barry!

   Thank you for your nutrition question. Genetics do play a factor because everyone has a different bone structure and body type. In addition, even though you both are the same age and height you have different metabolisms(rate which you burn calories). Metabolism is the amount of energy (calories) your body burns to maintain itself. Whether you are eating, drinking, sleeping, cleaning etc... your body is constantly burning calories to keep you going.

Metabolism is affected by your body composition. By body composition, I mean the amount of muscle you have versus the amount of fat. Muscle uses more calories to maintain itself than fat. People who are more muscular (and have a lower percentage of body fat) are said to have a higher metabolism than others that are less muscular. For example, let's say you have two people who are the exact same height and weight. One exercises on a regular basis with weights, in addition to aerobic exercise, and has a low percentage of body fat. The other never exercises and has a higher percentage of body fat. The first person who exercises will have a higher metabolism than the second person. What this basically means is that person #1's body will use more calories to sustain itself than person #2.

Hope this answers your question!  For more answers to nutriton questions check out "Ask the Nutritionists" at http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail~bookid~26397.aspx

-George Rapitis, Nutritionist
www.juiceblend.com
www.dietitan.mymagicwand.com

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