Obesity can be defined as a body weight that is greater than 30% above a favorable target weight. Culture has often blamed obesity on the individual. We assume that people are overweight because of personal failings.
Obesity has affected so many Americans, it has reached epidemic levels.
There are a number of contributing factors to rapid rise in obesity, WF health experts uncover some major causes.
1. The Gene, GAD2 :
According to the lead researcher Professor Philippe Froguel (from Imperial College London), obesity is a complex problem, which could not be entirely explained by one factor alone. But he said GAD2 may be responsible for obesity in about one in ten seriously overweight people. The Imperial study, of more than 1,200 people, identified two forms of the GAD2 gene. One protected against obesity, the other made it more likely by stimulating the appetite. Thinner volunteers were found to be more likely to carry the protective form of the gene, while the other version was more common in obese people. It seems to stimulate overeating by speeding up production of a chemical messenger in the brain called GABA, or gamma-amino butyric acid. When combined with another molecule GABA stimulates us to eat. However genes do not always predict future health. Genes and behavior may both be needed for a person to be overweight. In some cases multiple genes may increase one’s susceptibility for obesity and require outside factors; such as abundant food supply or little physical activity.
2. Snacks 
can make people obese and high-wired :
A poor diet—to high-calorie foods that are widely available, low in cost, heavily promoted, and good tasting. These ingredients produce a predictable, understandable, and inevitable consequence—an epidemic of diet-related diseases. While such foods are fast and convenient they also tend to be high in fat, sugar, and calories. Choosing many foods from these areas may contribute to an excessive calorie intake. Some foods are marketed as healthy, low fat, or fat-free, but may contain more calories than the fat containing food they are designed to replace. It is important to read food labels for nutritional information and to eat in moderation.
People who eat breakfast are significantly less likely to be obese and diabetic than those who usually don’t, reported by the American Heart Association at their 43rd Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention. In their study, researchers found that obesity and insulin resistance syndrome rates were 35 percent to 50 percent lower among people who ate breakfast every day compared to those who frequently skipped it. |
3. Fast food infiltra
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tion in our culture :
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5. Food has tremendous social meaning :People can feel like they aren’t part of the group if they don’t eat like everybody else does. Food also has personal meaning. It can be a person’s best friend, and it allows some people to numb out from a difficult world. Some people look forward during the day to being alone with their food in the evening. It represents comfort, soothing, and nurturance that may not come from other people. |
6.Energy imbalance :When the number of calories consumed is not eq Weight Gain: Weight Loss: No Weight Change: 7. Larger Portion sizes :People may be eating more during a meal or snack because of larger portion sizes. This results in increased calorie consumption. If the body does not burn off the extra calories consumed from larger portions, fast food, or soft drinks, weight gain can occur. How do portions today compare to portions sizes 20 years ago? The National Institutes of Health have developed a Web site with an interactive quiz to inform people on the increasing portion sizes. |
4. Lack of physical activity :
ual to the number of calories used. Energy Balance is like a scale. When calories consumed are greater than calories used 8. Diseases and Drugs :
Some illnesses may
lead to obesity or weight gain. These may include Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, depression and polycystic ovary syndrome. Drugs such as steroids and some antidepressants may also cause weight gain. Also, drugs such as steroids and some antidepressants may cause weight gain. A doctor is the best source to tell you whether illnesses, medications, or psychological factors are contributing to weight gain or making weight loss hard.
9. Negative Emotions :Many people ea |
10. Early menarche :
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Although you cannot change your genetic makeup, you can change your eating habits and levels of activity. Try these techniques that have helped some people lose weight and keep it off:
What was really needed is a campaign to educate our minds – and stomachs. We need urgent action. The time for action is NOW. The solution? It sounds simple: “eat properly and exercise”. |
t in response to negative emotions such as boredom, sadness, or anger. It has been observed that women with the most severe 
Related Links
- What Makes Me the Weight I Am?
- Preventing Weight Gain
- Foods for Managing Obesity
- Top 10 Reasons not to skip your breakfast
- Top 10 Triggers for Over-eating
- Top 10 foods to fill you up and fight hunger
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
