“Time is a dressmaker specializing in alterations.” Faith Baldwin
By Susan Parish Walker
Can we compare apples to oranges or apples to pears? When one compares their body type to another person’s body type it is similar to comparing apples to oranges or an apple shaped body to a pear shaped body. If one is comparing their body type to others it becomes a futile attempt when there is such a remote chance that you have similar metabolic rates and body types. A women’s metabolic rate slows down approximately two to three percent every decade. A myriad of issues may affect the metabolic rate in a negative manner such as stress, hormonal imbalances, dieting, and the aging process. However, exercise increases the metabolic rate and women who exercise moderately generally maintain a healthy weight range throughout their lifespan.
Let’s do a little retail therapy! Is a size 6 the same in all retail stores? Absolutely not! A size 6 at The Gap may be a size 8 at The Polo Store and various designers tailor their clothing in such a way that the sizes vary. However, if you go shopping many times girls and women in particular refuse to buy a larger clothing size. At the end of the day if you actually compare the waist of the different sizes of clothing they are all pretty much the same. Why have the weight on the scales and the size of the clothing becomes an obsession for American women?
Clearly, gender differences result in different body types and genetic predispositions play a significant role in the development of one’s body type. Men and women differ greatly in body types, body images, and how they maintain a healthy weight. Male and female reactions to lifestyle behaviors are varied and contingent upon physiological and biological factors such as behavioral history, genetics, and childhood.
This addresses biological risks that may affect one’s body type such as: (1) Resting metabolic rate; (2) Fat-metabolizing enzymes; (3) Set point theory; and (4) Fat cell theory.
More specifically, fat cells are produced during the last trimester of prenatal life up to the first year of life between the ages of four and seven, and during the years between nine and thirteen. The fat cell production affects everyone’s weight management for throughout their lifespan.