Obesity: Risks and Causes
Obesity is a chronic, metabolic disease caused by multiple and complex factors, including increased calorie intake, decreased physical activity and genetic influences. Obesity is defined as a BMI between 30 and 35 where morbid obesity is defined as a BMI equal or greater than 40.
Data collected shows that in the past 30 years obesity in developed countries has tripled. Nearly 70% of men and 60% of women are now either overweight or obese. It is an alarming statistic and these figures are likely to rise.
It is indicated that more than 300,000 American deaths happen due to health obesity issues; the more overweight a person is the more at risk he/she may be. Heart diseases such as heart attacks, congestive heart failure, angina, chest pain to name a few the most challenging conditions that people suffer from today.
Another aspect of obesity has to do with the psychological well being of the person and his/her self esteem. Many over-weight individuals try to pretend that they are happy but deep inside they either suffer from low self esteem or feel bad about eating. Over eating also become a habit for some people and when they lose hope and self esteem, they will continue to neglect themselves. There is another type of obesity sufferers who take up excessive eating in order to combat depression. But sadly, over eating is by no means an answer to depression.
Obesity can be caused by many different factors. Here are 7 most common factors which lead to obesity:
Genetics or Heredity
Genetics are what your forefathers (and mothers) bequeathed to you in the form of your genes. If both of a person’s parents were heavy, that person has a 70% probability that he or she will also be heavy. That percentage drops to 40-50% if only one parent was thin.
Metabolic
Metabolism is the amount of energy (calories) your body burns to maintain itself. Metabolism is the process in which nutrients are acquired, transported, used and disposed of by the body.
Every person is unique and they all have their own unique metabolism. The terms “slow metabolism” and “fast metabolism” refer to how easily our bodies convert food into fuel (energy) and nutrients. A person’s metabolism is affected by genetics, hormone levels, thyroid conditions, food allergies, amount of body fat, age and insulin levels. Since there are so many factors that contribute to a person’s metabolism, it is difficult to specify and special “diet” or “metabolic diet” for a specific person. An entire medical and psychological history would have to be determined.
Psychological
A person’s mental state can contribute to a person’s obesity. But the person’s state of mind is usually caused because he or she is obese, not the obesity being caused by the person’s state of mind.
Societal
Everywhere around us there are ads, pictures, and other people who urge us to eat more. Almost all social activity is based on food and drink: dinners, lunches, barbecues, etc.
Even some religions have a type of food that should or should not be eaten at certain times. All of these little nudges to eat contribute to the obesity in our population.
Sedentary Lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the major causes of obesity. Physical activity is one of the best ways to lose extra pounds.
Prescription drugs
A number of prescription drugs, especially antidepressants, have been shown to increase appetite, and therefore increase obesity.
Overeating
Taking in more calories than our bodies need is the most significant factor in obesity. The combination of overeating and under-activity can be the death knell to successful weight loss.