Guest Author - Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen

Do you exercise your brains out but can't shed a pound? Are you constantly dieting and watching your fat intake, but are actually gaining weight? Maybe these five factors are weighing in…

It doesn't matter what the magazines, tv commercials, and reality shows say: the reality is that it's not easy for the majority of us to lose weight especially when we're on a diet, and slim women aren't necessarily happier or healthier than more shapely ones. Further, getting slim may involve more than self-discipline, exercise and watching every morsel that goes into your mouth. There are other things that affect your size and shape – things you may not be able to control.

Five Factors that Contribute to Your Body Shape

1. Age. Most people round out a little as they get older, as a result of a decreased metabolism and less movement. Menopause may cause women to suddenly gain weight, and both men and women may not be able to eat as much as they once could without gaining a few pounds!

2. Your set point and metabolism. The set point of your weight is predetermined, which means that your body stubbornly clings to a certain amount of weight. For instance, my husband's set point dictates that he not gain an ounce no matter what or how much he eats. My set point, on the other hand, is set a little higher than I'd like, causing me to gain pounds when I catch a whiff of chocolate. Evidently, physiological forces prevent weight loss – though I know it's possible to be thinner than I am now (because I once was). Perhaps you'll have a more difficult time losing weight if you're trying to go below your set point. It's still possible to lose, just a little difficult.

3. Genetics. Your body shape, weight, and size is affected by your genes. Studies have shown that adopted children are most similar in body shape and weight to their biological parents. You see examples all around you every day of people looking exactly like their parents or grandparents, for better or for worse. I have my mom's curves and tendency towards the bulge; my half-sisters have their mother's lean silhouette and long, slim limbs. It's part of our inheritance (for better or worse).

4. Fitness level. The type of exercise your body likes may influence your weight and size, which could affect how slim you look. For instance, if you love running you may have a long, lean build. It's a circular effect: lean frames may be more suited to running, which contributes to the lean frame. Or, you may enjoy Yoga or Pilates more than cardiovascular exercise, which may not burn as many calories – but they do lengthen your muscles. You may sit and stand taller with these exercises because they tend to increase flexibility and improve posture. Swimmers have a different build than cyclists – and each exercise affects and builds up your body in different ways.

5. Food. Let's face it: what you eat affects how you look. There's just no getting around it. Regardless of your genetics or how active you are, if you eat lots of fat and sugar, you'll eventually gain weight (though my husband insists it's not true for him). It seems to be true for most people, I dare say.

Finding the balance between accepting your body the way it is and striving for health and wellness is the recipe for a strong, fulfilled life.