The Science of Weight, Longevity & Social Media: What I Wish I Knew Sooner

I used to believe that weight management was all about willpower. “Eat less, move more,” they said. But as I started digging into the science—reading studies, listening to experts, and even analyzing how social media shapes our beliefs—I realized just how much more complex the story really is.

Turns out, our weight, our health, and even what we believe about success online are all influenced by factors most of us never consider.

Let’s break it all down.

The Genetics of Weight: Why Some People Struggle More Than Others

If you’ve ever felt like losing weight is harder for you than for others, there’s a biological reason for that—and it’s not just about discipline.

Renowned behavioral geneticist Robert Plomin found that BMI (body mass index) is about 60% heritable. What does that mean? Even if you were raised in an entirely different environment than your biological parents, your weight would still likely resemble theirs.

Think about that. The calories in, calories out model doesn’t fully explain why some people gain weight more easily than others.

Leptin: The Hidden Hormone Controlling Your Hunger

Leptin, known as the “hunger hormone,” plays a crucial role in appetite regulation. Here’s how it works:

• If you’re leptin-sensitive, your body signals when you’re full, making it easier to regulate weight.

• If you’re leptin-resistant (common in obesity), your brain doesn’t register fullness as effectively—leading to overeating without realizing it.

And it gets even more complicated. Stomach size varies between individuals. Some people physically need more food before they feel satisfied, making calorie control even harder.

Metabolism Isn’t the Same for Everyone

• Your basal metabolic rate (BMR)—the number of calories your body burns at rest—is largely genetic.

• Some people burn significantly fewer calories per day, even if they’re just as active.

• Studies show that just 100–200 extra calories a day (less than a snack) can cause long-term weight gain.

And here’s the kicker: The stress hormone cortisol can trigger fat storage, especially in the belly. So if you’ve ever wondered why stress seems to make weight loss harder—it’s not just in your head.

The New Age of Health Tracking: Why Data Matters More Than Guesswork

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned? If you’re not tracking your health, you’re guessing.

Gone are the days when getting bloodwork once a year was enough. With companies like Function Health, you can now access over 100 lab tests per year, tracking everything from:

• Heart health (cholesterol, blood pressure markers)

• Hormonal balance (testosterone, estrogen, cortisol)

• Thyroid function (TSH, T3, T4 levels)

• Cancer screening (early-stage detection markers)

But what’s the real value of health tracking?

• You’re no longer guessing why you feel tired, gain weight easily, or struggle with endurance.

• You can catch early warning signs of serious issues before they spiral out of control.

• You get a personalized roadmap for nutrition, fitness, and longevity strategies based on real data.

Did you know? People with higher VO2 max (oxygen efficiency) have significantly lower mortality rates. That’s why athletes age better and live longer—their cardiovascular systems are optimized.

In a world where preventative health is becoming the norm, waiting until you have symptoms isn’t an option anymore.

The Truth About Social Media & Fame: It’s Not What You Think

I used to believe that influencers just “got lucky.” That they posted a few videos, went viral, and started making millions. But after really analyzing how social media careers work, I realized how strategic (and exhausting) this world really is.

The Nikocado Avocado Experiment: Real or Staged?

Take Nikocado Avocado—a YouTuber known for excessive eating, weight gain, and over-the-top antics. At his peak, he weighed over 400 lbs. Then, almost overnight, he lost a massive amount of weight—sparking debates about whether his entire journey was a staged social experiment.

Here’s what’s so shocking about this:

• Social media rewards extreme behavior—whether it’s gaining or losing weight dramatically.

• Many influencers craft personas to keep viewers engaged, even at the cost of their own health.

• Controversy equals clicks equals money. The more outrageous the transformation, the more viral it goes.

And Nikocado isn’t alone. The most successful content creators constantly reinvent themselves, riding the algorithmic wave of engagement.

The Hidden Work Behind Social Media Success

Think being an influencer is easy? Think again.

The best creators treat their content like a business—because it is. Behind the scenes, they:

• Master SEO so their videos show up first in searches.

• Spend hours editing and scripting videos (it’s not just “hitting record”).

• Negotiate brand deals and sponsorships to maximize revenue.

• Engage with followers daily to keep their audience loyal.

• Adapt constantly to social media’s ever-changing algorithms.

It’s a full-time job requiring insane strategy—not just luck. And the downside?

• Burnout, anxiety, and depression are rampant among influencers.

• The pressure to "one-up" past content forces many into extreme transformations or controversies.

• Many creators fear losing relevance—so they push more extreme or risky content just to stay in the game.

So next time you see a dramatic social media transformation, ask yourself:

• Is it real, or is it just another strategic move?

Final Thoughts: What We Can Learn From All This

There’s one major takeaway I’ve gotten from studying genetics, health, and social media trends:

• Your weight? It’s more genetic than you think.

• Your health? Data tracking can optimize your body for longevity.

• Your social media beliefs? Many viral transformations aren’t what they seem.

But here’s the good news:

• Knowledge is power—once you understand these forces, you can work with them instead of against them.

• You don’t have to be a victim of your biology—you can optimize your health in ways that work for you.

• You don’t have to believe everything you see online—learn to spot the patterns of manufactured virality.

At the end of the day, science, health, and media all intersect in ways that shape our daily lives. The more you understand them, the better decisions you can make for yourself.

Inspired by the teachings of Will Tennyson