The Main Factors That Cause Obesity

There is a serious epidemic now taking hold in many industrialized and developing nations around the world, affecting individuals of all ages and all classes: Obesity.

Obesity is when an individual has a body mass index of 30 or more, and is a much more dangerous condition just being overweight, as obesity carries with it much higher risks for other health problems, and even an increased risk of premature mortality.

It may seem obvious to think that obesity would be caused by over-eating, but scientist and healthcare specialists have found a growing number of other causes contributing to obesity. Here is a quick overview of some of what causes obesity? – the main factors:

1. Energy Imbalance
2. Inactive Lifestyle
3. Environmental Factors
4. Genetics
5. Emotional Factors
6. Health Conditions

Other factors can also attribute to obesity, although usually to a lesser degree. These other factors include age, lack of sleep, eating disorders, culture, and gender. If you believe you or someone you know may be obese, it is important to consult a medical professional about which of these factors may most be most affecting you. To help, here is a more in-depth description of what causes obesity? – the main factors:

• Energy Imbalance- Simply put, if you take in more calories a day than your body uses as energy, these calories become stored as fat. Of course certain other factors also influence how much energy your body uses.


• Inactive Lifestyle- When you do less activity your body requires less energy, which can further an energy imbalance. People already seriously overweight can also have trouble doing physical activity, because they are more likely to have pain in pain in their feet, knees and ankles, and may easily loose their breath.


• Environmental Factors- Factors such as a lack of sidewalks and recreation areas around your home, work schedule, lack of access to stores that sell health foods, and living in areas of increased food advertising can all attribute to obesity.


• Genetics- Genes can affect how our body balances our energy expenditures and calorie intake. Children with obese parents are also at a much greater risk of becoming obese themselves.


• Emotional Factors- Many people eat for different emotional reasons, including being bored, happy, sad, angry or stressed.


• Health Conditions- Some medical conditions can cause weight gain. Additionally, some medicines treating illnesses and chronic conditions can also encourage weight gain.

It is clear to see that there are a myriad of main factors that can attribute to obesity, but it is important to remember that regardless of how at risk you may be, it is almost always possible to maintain a healthy weight by adopting a good diet and a healthy lifestyle.