What Causes Obesity?

It affects one in three adults in the United States, and is increasing in every country.

Along with weight gain, obesity brings with it a whole host of health problems. These problems range from depression and poor sleep to heart problems and death. Obesity has even been linked to many forms of cancer.

Before a person can begin to manage obesity, they must understand it. Specifically, what is causing the obesity?

At times, it is only one factor that causes weight gain. Other times there is a combination of factors that cause weight gain.  Here are some of the more common causes for obesity.

• Genetics: Scientists and medical professionals have identified a group of genes that control hunger. More specifically, they control the hormone Leptin. When you have healthy Leptin levels you feel hungry only when your body needs food. When levels are imbalanced you might feel hungry all of the time.
• Environment: The environment you live in, your friends, and the habits you grew up with make a difference. People with obese parents are more likely to be obese themselves. People with obese friends are also more likely to be obese. People who live in the Southern United States or the Midwest are also more likely to be obese.
• Diet: Diet is the primary cause of obesity. Overeating and poor eating habits are the single biggest contributor to obesity. Processed foods, fast foods and restaurant foods are all high in fat, salt and sugar. One take out burger can have more calories and fat than the average person should consume in a day.Sugary drinks such as juice and soda are also major contributors to the obesity epidemic. Many people consume their full day’s calories in drinks alone. Diet is so important to preventing and controlling obesity and doctors and scientists believe that a good diet can overcome genetics.
• Activity: When inactivity is combined with poor eating habits, obesity is a result–the math is simple. A person must burn more calories than they consume.  Simple things like walking and taking the stairs at every opportunity can make a huge difference.
• Lifestyle: You might be surprised that some basic lifestyle habits can cause obesity. For example, poor sleep or a high stress life are both contributing factors in obesity. Low Leptin levels stop the brain from knowing when we are full. High stress causes high cortisol levels which contribute to bellyfat.

If you are struggling with obesity, try to pinpoint the factors that could be contributing to it. Then and only then can you take proper steps to regain your health. Consult your physician and assess your lifestyle and habits. What can you do to lose weight and get healthy?