By: Aysha Schurman
What causes obesity? To put it simply, obesity is usually caused by either genetics, poor lifestyle choices or a combination of the two. There can, however, be many factors that lead to a greater risk of obesity.
Obesity occurs when you have too much body fat. It can be a deadly condition with many associated problems, including heart disease, gallbladder disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. The one and only cure for obesity is weight loss, either through natural approaches, medication or surgery.
Causes of Obesity
- Genetics can play in large part in some people becoming obese. Genetic factors can include a slow metabolism, predisposition to gaining fat and health issues that make it difficult to perform physical activities.
- A poor diet can play a large part in some people becoming obese. A healthy diet is one that is low in fat, high in fiber, filled with fresh produce and consisting of whole foods. A poor diet, on the other hand, is one high in fat, low in fiber and filled with processed foods.
- Lack of physical activity can play a large part in some people becoming obese. When your body stays mostly as rest, it neither burns nor uses muscle. This creates weak muscles and a slower metabolism, which it turn cause you to gain weight.
- Environment can play a large part in some people becoming obese, especially children. If you grow up in a family that tends to overeat and remain inactive, you are more likely to develop poor lifestyle habits that can lead to obesity.
- Age can play a minor part in some people becoming obese. Your metabolism tends to slow down and burn fewer calories as you age. Similarly, your muscle tends to decrease with age, making it harder for you to convert fat into energy.
- Gender can play a minor role in some people becoming obese. Specifically, being a woman can increase your chances of becoming obese, as women tend to carry larger ratios of fat than men.
- Socioeconomics can play a minor part in some people becoming obese. If you work a sedentary job so much that you have no time for physical activity, it may increase your chances of becoming obese. If you cannot afford healthy foods because of your income, it can also increase your chances of becoming obese.
- Certain medications can play a minor part in some people becoming obese. Some medications can slow down the metabolism, decrease physical activity or increase appetite. Taken over an extended period of time, these side effects can result in obesity.
- Illness and injury can play a minor part in some people becoming obese. A severe illness or injury can change you physical abilities, decreasing the amount of calories you burn in a day. If this change is long term and dramatic, the constant weight gain can result in obesity.
