While historically attributed mainly to excess caloric intake,obesityis a complex condition with many contributing factors.
Even the body’s collection of microorganisms, known as themicrobiome, plays a role.
Read on to learn more about obesity and its causes.
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However, these methods aren’t as widely available as BMI measurements.
Researchers are still discovering the exact causes and contributors to obesity.
However, there is no denying that certain lifestyle habits have a great impact on obesity.
The imbalance of food intake and activity is believed to be one of the biggest contributors to weight gain.
Diet
Diet is a major contributor to obesity.
Activity
Another major contributor to obesity is a sedentary lifestyle.
Asedentary lifestyleis linked to obesity and other chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Sleep
The quality and duration of sleep also appears to play a role in obesity.
Stress
Stress levelsover time can also impact weight gain and contribute to obesity.
For example, binge-eating (or “stress-eating”) contributes to excess calories and potential weight gain.
This is partly related to lifestyle factors that tend to be similar to family members.
However, genetics also play a role in obesity.
Researchers have discovered many genetic variations that can increase the susceptibility to obesity.
Prader-Willi syndromeis a rare genetic condition that causes insatiable appetite in affected children.
Biologic and Medical Contributors to Obesity
Several medical conditions can contribute to excess body weight and obesity.
Many of these are related to hormones involved in metabolism and appetite.
And the gut microbiome is becoming increasingly recognized for its impact on obesity.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidismis a condition where there are not enough thyroid hormones circulating in the blood.
People with Cushing’s syndrome often develop excess fat tissue in the abdomen and upper back.
There is a definite link between PCOS and obesity.
Researchers think this relationship is due togeneticand hormonal factors.
The bacteria in the gut are affected by our own behaviors, medical conditions, and environment.
Diet and physical activity are major contributors, but stress and sleep also play a role.
Biologic factors such as genetics and medical conditions affect appetite and satiety as well as energy balance and metabolism.
Lastly, social and environmental factors play a role that can be beyond an individual’s immediate control.
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