Obesity is a chronic condition that is defined by an excess amount of body fat. It has reached epidemic proportions in the United States with two-thirds of the adult population being overweight or obese. It has become so widespread that obesity in children is more prevalent than ever in today’s society.
Obesity greatly and negatively impacts one’s health, and it is a huge risk factor for multiple health conditions. It can result in a reduced life expectancy as it increases the risk of several chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, strokes, heart attacks, cancer, gout, and many more.
So today, we are taking a look at the most common causes of obesity and how to avoid them.
Lack of Exercise
The most common cause of obesity is the lack of exercise. The more physical activity you perform, the more calories you will burn. Gaining weight strongly correlates to physical inactivity, and a sedentary lifestyle has obvious health risks due to the fact that the muscles of your body grow weaker the less they are worked on. A simple walk a day would support your chances of preventing weight gain and allow your body to burn more calories.
Poor Diet or Overeating
A poor diet that isn’t suited to your needs is a huge contributing factor to obesity and weight gain. This is why it is important to consult nutritionists to understand what nutrients your body is lacking. Overeating can also lead to obesity. A diet that is high in simple carbohydrates can lead to an increase in blood glucose levels. Moreover, food that is high in sugar and fat, such as fast food, sweets, and fried food are all examples of high energy density foods that result in inevitable weight gain as well as other health risks.
Medications and Diseases
There are certain medications that cause weight gains such as antidepressants, birth control pills, diabetes medications, and medications used to control seizures. Because of this, too many adolescents and adults resort to unhealthy ways of losing weight. If you live in Tijuana, or anywhere in the Baja California state of Mexico, you might be aware that there are many new methods you can find in the area to effectively lose weight and reduce health risks. It is recommended that you opt for safe weight loss treatments from trusted professionals as attempting to follow diets without a professional consultation or dietician can cause you more harm than good, especially if you suffer from any disease. Certain diseases contribute to obesity, such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, insulin resistance…etc. This means that you need to find weight loss treatments that do not harm your condition or negatively influence the medication you are taking.
Genetics
Your DNA factors in determining your chances of obesity as genetics can affect the hormones involved in fat metabolism and regulation. If one or both parents are obese, it is highly likely that the child will develop the condition of obesity. Additionally, the quality of food and the way a household eats affect the eating habits a child will adopt from their parents. This is why it is highly recommended that parents practice a healthy lifestyle that will rub off on their children and encourage them to do the same as they grow up, especially if they have a genetic predisposition to obesity.
Social or Psychological Issues
Psychological factors may also be to blame for obesity, depending on each person’s case. This is because some people’s eating habits are influenced by emotions. Anger, sadness, and boredom are the most common emotions that perpetuate weight gain. There is also a strong correlation between obesity and social problems. Financial issues play a huge role in a person’s inability to purchase healthy foods, and social surroundings might make it difficult for one to engage in physical activity. It’s important to understand your relationship with food and your access— or lack thereof— to healthier lifestyle options so that you can treat the issue that is causing you to overeat and make the best food choices with the financial means available to you.
Obesity is a condition that can lead to several health problems. In order to avoid these common causes of obesity, you must be willing to follow a healthy regimen every day, from adopting healthy eating habits to engaging in forms of exercise. Be mindful of the medications and any pre-existing conditions you may have. Genetics, social issues, and psychological factors contribute to obesity as well, so it is vital that you determine your reasons for weight gain to know just how to tackle it. It is highly possible to achieve proper weight, so do not ever get discouraged.
