Causes of Obesity

                                                                                         

Finding out if someone is obese is not difficult. A hands-on method to ascertain obesity is by pinching the skin-fold at the chin, belly, or waist. If the skin-fold measures more than one inch, there is excess fat stored in that area.

The energy imbalance
It is believed that if our calorie intake is more than the calories burnt, it results in obesity. The latest research has led to the “Set Point Theory.” This theory suggests that the brain acts as a thermostat keeping the body weight constant at a set point. If we limit our calorie intake in order to lose weight, the brain will slow down our metabolism in order to bring our weight back to this set point, resulting in weight gain.

Psychological Disorders
People who are depressed tend to sleep at the wrong time in order to escape their distress. They also tend to overeat, so as to find consolation and avoid boredom and sadness. These lead to inactivity and overeating. Many are depressed due to their obesity. They feel that they lack, will power and control over their eating habits. As a result they have a feeling of despair and suffer from low self-esteem. Negative thoughts give rise to binging and other eating disorders, which results in uncontrolled eating.

Diseases
Hypothyroidism is a condition when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Since the thyroid regulates metabolism and decides how the body burns calories, a deficiency of the thyroid hormone slows down metabolism, resulting in weight gain. Moreover, hypothyroidism reduces muscle tone and causes fatigue, resulting in inactivity. Other conditions such as edema, Cushing’s syndrome, and certain neurological problems can lead to overeating as well.

Socioeconomic problems
In this fast age technology has enabled people to earn their living, without expending much energy. One can earn more by working less. Food habits are dictated by peer groups and social environments. A person may adopt a particular food habit in order to gain acceptance into a particular circle. Moreover, social gatherings don’t happen without food.

Drugs and Medications
Steroids and certain drugs used to treat depression, allergies, and diabetes may cause weight gain. It is also believed that hormonal contraceptives lead to obesity.

About the author:
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