-----Original Message-----
James Crocker wrote:

Weight depends on (roughly) 80% diet, and 20% genes, for those who think
they are genetically programmed to be "fat".

--------------------------

James,

        I'd really like to know where you got those percentages.  If there is a
single modern trend that transcends the various scientific/humanistic
disciplines, it is that we are much more a product of our genes that we'd
probably like to admit.

        If you meant to say that 80 percent of obesity is the result of diet (what
we eat) as opposed to 20 percent that can be blamed on genetically related
diseases and conditions such as thyroid or hormonal problems, I'd be willing
to bet the ratio is even higher (90/10? 95/5?)  This is just my entirely
unscientific, non-methodological synthesis of what I've read on diet and
obesity.

        But if you meant to say that 80 percent of obesity is due to diet (how many
calories we eat, or over eat) and that this 80 percent can be controlled
simply by restricting calories, then I'd be willing to wager a large amount
of money that you are flat-out wrong.  That wager would be based on my
personal experience and prejudices, which I know to be fallible, which is
why I was wondering where you got those figures.

        "Genetic programming" is pervasive.  You could not, for example, argue that
we are not "genetically programmed" to be tall or short, light or dark,
quick or slow.  Recent research shows that "genetic programming" is a major
factor in such nebulous things as "personality" and in such
little-understood things as cancer.

        To me, the question isn't, "Are we genetically programmed to be fat or
thin?" but "How are we genetically programmed to be fat or thin?"  Genetic
influences may be pervasive, but they are not (I hope) determinative.
Understanding those influences is the first step in countering them.  One
possible corollary to the Neanderthin premise that man has yet to adapt
genetically (through evolution) to a Neolithic diet is that this maladaption
varies in effect and by degree from individual to individual.  Thus, in
paleo-food terms, we are "genetically programmed" to be fat to the degree
and in the ways in which we, as individuals, are maladapted to a
grain-centric diet.

Robert, who is finding this list serves as a good work-avoidance technique
this night.