Even If We Ate the Same Foods… Why Wouldn’t Our Bodies Look the Same?
If everyone ate the same foods, in the same amounts, and exercised the same way, wouldn’t our bodies look the same?
No. Decades of research show that human bodies are naturally diverse. Genetics, metabolism, hormones, microbiome differences, medications, stress, and trauma all influence how our bodies look and function. Even identical twins with the same diet and activity level can have different body shapes. Your body’s natural variation is scientifically normal…it’s not a failure or flaw.
Why Do Some People Stay Thin While Others Don’t?
Weight and body shape are influenced by far more than calories alone. Hormones, metabolic rate, genetic predispositions, sleep quality, stress, and gut microbiome all play a role. “Calories in, calories out” is overly simplistic and often misleading when it comes to understanding your body.
What Is “Poodle Science” and Why Does It Matter?
The “Poodle Science” metaphor helps explain cultural bias. Just as poodles come in different sizes, shapes, and personalities, humans naturally vary. Expecting everyone to look the same…usually thin…is like expecting every poodle to look identical. Society’s default “thin body = standard” ignores biology, and that’s scientifically inaccurate.
What Factors Really Influence Weight and Shape?
So, if it’s not just calories, what really matters?
Answer: Many things influence body shape, including:
Genetics and family traits
Hormones (thyroid, sex hormones, stress hormones)
Metabolism
Microbiome diversity
Medications
Trauma and stress
Lifestyle beyond diet and exercise
Recognizing these factors removes self-blame and helps you focus on health instead of fitting an unrealistic body standard.
Am I Broken If My Body Doesn’t Look Like Others’?
Why doesn’t my body look like someone else’s even if I “do everything right”?
You’re not broken. You’re simply not a poodle. Your body has a natural range, and understanding that helps you stop comparing yourself to others. You were never supposed to fit a single “ideal” standard…your body is doing exactly what it’s meant to do.
How Can I Learn to Trust My Body?
What can I do if I want to stop comparing my body and feel at home in it?
Healing your relationship with your body and food starts with understanding body diversity and honoring your unique physiology. Exploring resources, courses, or working with a professional can guide you toward true body acceptance and freedom from unrealistic standards.