It’s Not Just Calories In vs Calories Out: Why the “Excuses” Narrative Misses the Point

I recently found myself in a discussion with other wellness professionals about medical weight loss interventions vs natural weight loss. It was a interesting conversation, but it quickly took a turn that made me pause.

One of the professionals strongly argued that people often use hormones as an excuse when it comes to being overweight or obese. That at the end of the day, it’s all about calories in vs calories out, simple, straightforward, and is applicable to everyone.

Howeever it’s not that simple. Dismissing these deeper layers as “excuses” does a huge disservice to the very people we’re here to support.

This is a genomic and epigenetic conversation

We can’t ignore that weight, body composition, and how easily someone gains or loses weight are influenced by genetics and epigenetics. Our genes, and how they’re expressed over time through lifestyle and environment, shape metabolic efficiency, hormone sensitivity, fat storage tendencies, and even appetite regulation.

Research from Harvard highlights how certain genetic variations can significantly affect appetite and fat storage. Meanwhile, epigenetic studies show how stress, nutrition, and other life exposures can switch these genes on or off, influencing long-term weight patterns.

Add to this the neurochemical factors, how our brains respond to food, pleasure, stress, and rewards. Then layer on mental and emotional health, past traumas, learned behaviours, and the deeply ingrained narratives we tell ourselves about who we are and what we deserve.

It’s never just about food

When someone struggles to lose weight, it isn’t simply because they’re lazy or making excuses. Their personal history, biology, mindset, stress load, sleep, gut health, cultural background, and how they view wellness itself all play profound roles.

Studies from Yale have shown how the brain’s reward centres drive us to eat in ways that don’t always align with willpower. Chronic stress alone can disrupt hormones like cortisol, leading to stubborn fat storage, as shown in research published in Obesity Reviews.

One-size-fits-all weight loss approaches are not only outdated, they can be harmful. They ignore the very real, intricate reasons why one person may shed weight effortlessly while another fights for every single pound.

From my lens as a functional, genomics and nutrition practitioner

Because I’m trained in functional health, genomics and nutrition coaching, I deeply understand the whole picture when it comes to weight loss. This includes which genes are active, which are not, and how these genetic expressions impact metabolism, inflammation, hunger cues, insulin sensitivity and more.

We absolutely need to see weight loss in this same nuanced, evidence-based way. It is simply not valid to assume that just because one person can easily cut down 400 calories mentally, physically, emotionally and in every other aspect of their being, that it will be just as straightforward for someone else. That’s not supported by the science, nor by lived experience.

In my practice

This is why I work with women through a whole-person approach. Yes, we look at nutrition and movement, but we also explore stress, hormones, beliefs, emotional wellbeing, and lifestyle patterns. Because it all matters.

Reducing this to a simple math equation of calories in vs calories out, and writing off the rest as “excuses,” fails to honour the true complexity of our bodies and lives.

A gentle invitation

If you’ve ever felt confused by oversimplified weight loss advice, know that you’re not alone. There’s a bigger picture. Your body deserves to be seen with compassion, curiosity and depth.

If you’re ready to explore what this could look like for you, I’d love to support you. You can book a free discovery call here and we’ll take it from there.

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With gratitude and love,

Alicia🌿 Oneness. Wholeness. Peace.

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Always consult with your GP or healthcare provider before making changes to your health or treatment plan.