Obesity is a complex health condition that involves having an excessive amount of body fat. It is typically diagnosed by calculating a person's body mass index (BMI), which measures body fat based on height and weight. A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
Obesity has become a global epidemic, with rates steadily rising around the world. In the United States alone, over 40% of adults are obese. This is concerning because obesity increases the risk for many other serious health conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and certain cancers.
So what causes obesity? The main cause is an energy imbalance - when the calories consumed from foods and beverages exceed the calories burned through metabolism and physical activity over time. Genetics, lifestyle factors like poor diet and inactivity, medical conditions, and socioeconomic status can also influence someone's risk.
Here are some key factors that contribute to obesity:
- Poor diet - Diets high in processed foods, sugar, refined carbs and unhealthy fats promote weight gain. Low intake of fiber, protein and nutrients also play a role.
- Physical inactivity - Sedentary lifestyles with little exercise burn fewer calories and lead to fat accumulation over time.
- Genetics - Some individuals are genetically prone to obesity and have a slower metabolism or hormones that affect appetite and fat storage.
- Medications - Certain prescription meds may cause weight gain.
- Medical conditions - Conditions like hypothyroidism, PCOS and Cushing's syndrome can disrupt hormone levels and metabolism leading to extra weight gain.
- Stress - High stress levels stimulate the release of cortisol which can increase appetite and drive fat storage around the abdomen.
- Poor sleep - Not getting quality sleep can stimulate hunger hormones and cause overeating and cravings for high-calorie foods.
The good news is
obesity can often be prevented and treated through lifestyle changes like:
- Adopting healthy eating habits - Focus on whole, minimally processed foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats.
- Increasing physical activity - Aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate activity like brisk walking. Strength training also helps build muscle and burn calories.
- Making behavioral changes - Setting goals, tracking food intake, minimizing stress, and getting enough sleep can help manage weight long-term.
- Trying weight loss medications or procedures - In some cases, prescription meds or bariatric surgery may help patients lose a significant amount of weight when combined with lifestyle changes.
If you are struggling with
obesity, be sure to speak with your doctor. They can do an assessment to identify any underlying causes and help create a personalized weight loss plan. Programs like
Rejuvenate Medical also offer individualized care including lab testing, customized diet and supplement plans, and hormone balancing therapies to target the root causes of stubborn weight gain. With professional support and consistency, most people can successfully improve their health, lose weight and reduce
obesity-related complications. The key is sticking to healthy lifestyle habits over the long run.