The term obesity generally applies to people who are more than 20% above their ideal weight for their height. This condition occurs when more calories are consumed than the body can burn off with normal daily activity. There are a number of reasons for a person to become overweight, some of which are controllable.
Genetics
The traits you inherited from your parents control many aspects of your weight. How much fat your body will store and how it's distributed are the major factors. How well your body changes food into energy is affected by your genes, as well as how effective your body is at burning calories off during exercise.
Lifestyle
Families develop various eating habits and schedules. They also affect attitudes toward exercise and physical activity. Often, if one or more parents are obese, the children will have that same tendency. This extends beyond genetics. What people learn about their bodies, weight, and health when growing up can influence their health for the rest of their lives.
Activity Levels
If you sit at a desk job all day and go home to have dinner and watch TV on the sofa, you are likely to gain weight. The activity level of the person must match eating habits. A very active person can burn off excess calories. The less active you are, the more you need to adjust your eating habits to prevent obesity.
Poor Diet
In addition to the amount of food you consume, the types of food matter. A diet high in carbohydrates and calories can be more than your body can process. Excess fats get stored throughout your body for "future use." If your diet continues this way, you body never has the chance to burn off those reserves, and you continue to gain weight.
Quitting Smoking
If you were a smoker and quit, you are at a higher risk of becoming overweight. Researchers are unsure why this is, but it appears to be related to the need to fill a void created when you quit your habit. Sometimes, excess eating becomes the replacement habit.
Pregnancy
The hormonal changes in a woman's body causes weight gain while she's carrying her baby. Some women find it difficult to lose this weight after the birth. If the woman had a healthy lifestyle before the pregnancy, then it may be easier to lose pregnancy weight.
Irregular Sleep Patterns
Too much or too little sleep can cause obesity. Hormonal changes can occur as a result of irregular sleep patterns. You may also develop cravings for high-calorie foods that give you a temporary "rush" that keeps you awake.
Medications
Some prescription drugs can affect your weight if you don't make adjustments in your diet or activity levels. Some of the drugs likely to cause this include antidepressants, diabetes medications, and steroids.
Medical Conditions
Rarely do illnesses directly affect your weight. However, when the illness decreases your activity levels or causes food cravings, your weight can go up. Arthritis is an example of a condition that often results in a less active lifestyle.
The Dangers of Obesity
Any one of these factors won't guarantee that you'll become overweight. Often, obesity is linked to a combination of factors that contribute to your overall weight and health. If you find your weight steadily increasing, it's time to take action before you develop one or more serious health issues, such as:
- Heart Disease
- Stroke
- High Blood Pressure
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Gall Bladder Disease
- Respiratory Problems
These diseases are far more challenging to deal with than a weight problem. Like many health concerns, early attention to risk factors prevents serious health issues.
