main causes of obesity
There are many factors that can cause Obesity and it is not always simply a nutritional factor.
You can actually still become obese even if you are physically active with a proper nutrition due to disorders such as an inactive thyroid (SIU, 2013).
Stress
When you eat food, serotonin is released into your bloodstream which actually makes you feel "good". Serotonin is released mostly from carbohydrates, which more commonly are consumed whilst eating fatty/sweet foods. Also, if you suffer from chronic stress, your body may release excess amounts of Cortisol which is believed to increase your appetite. Also, a recent study has shown that Neuropeptide Y, which causes our bodies to store more fat, can increase under stressful situations(Everyday Health, 2009)
Genetics
Over the years, obesity percentages have increased nationally and worldwide. Scientists have studied the genetic composition between family members such as sibling-to-sibling to try to find a link between genes and our overall health. They have found that genetic factors do indeed influence our body weight, but finding the direct cause has been very challenging.
This information is quite beneficial in diagnosing obesity-related diseases like obesity, or issues such as high blood pressure. (CDC, 2010).
Age
The age at which obesity occurs can make weight loss easier, or much much more challenging. In America, obesity in children has TRIPLED in the last thirty years and 1 in 6 American children between the ages of 2 and 19 are obese (NHLBI, 2012). From information collected in 2009-2010, nearly 70 percent of American adults are overweight.
Location & Income
Often times when you are poor you have limited food budgets and choices. You more than likely will have to stretch food until the end of the month. This is usually foods high in fat and sugar and processed meats. These foods are affordable and can last until the end of the month, unlike fresh fruits and vegetables. Poorer families also live in neighborhoods where healthy foods are hard to come about. Engaging in activities outside of school prevents poor families from participating. Also there are usually single parent’s families and the parent must work and can’t afford extra activities. To help with the with the cost of food, you can try changing how you prepare your foods. Try baking most of your foods instead of frying, also try eating more vegetables of course.
Food
Food may be the most obvious reason for obesity. If you are taking IN more calories than you are EXPENDING or getting rid of, you will gain weight over time while slowing down your metabolism. A slower metabolism means your body is unable to digest food as quickly, which makes weight loss even harder. See our 'Tips' page to learn about better eating habits that will cause you to see a drastic change in your health and weight.
- Genetics, Culture, Physical Activity levels
- Psychological factors, Stress, Gender, Age, etc.
You can actually still become obese even if you are physically active with a proper nutrition due to disorders such as an inactive thyroid (SIU, 2013).
Stress
When you eat food, serotonin is released into your bloodstream which actually makes you feel "good". Serotonin is released mostly from carbohydrates, which more commonly are consumed whilst eating fatty/sweet foods. Also, if you suffer from chronic stress, your body may release excess amounts of Cortisol which is believed to increase your appetite. Also, a recent study has shown that Neuropeptide Y, which causes our bodies to store more fat, can increase under stressful situations(Everyday Health, 2009)
Genetics
Over the years, obesity percentages have increased nationally and worldwide. Scientists have studied the genetic composition between family members such as sibling-to-sibling to try to find a link between genes and our overall health. They have found that genetic factors do indeed influence our body weight, but finding the direct cause has been very challenging.
This information is quite beneficial in diagnosing obesity-related diseases like obesity, or issues such as high blood pressure. (CDC, 2010).
Age
The age at which obesity occurs can make weight loss easier, or much much more challenging. In America, obesity in children has TRIPLED in the last thirty years and 1 in 6 American children between the ages of 2 and 19 are obese (NHLBI, 2012). From information collected in 2009-2010, nearly 70 percent of American adults are overweight.
Location & Income
Often times when you are poor you have limited food budgets and choices. You more than likely will have to stretch food until the end of the month. This is usually foods high in fat and sugar and processed meats. These foods are affordable and can last until the end of the month, unlike fresh fruits and vegetables. Poorer families also live in neighborhoods where healthy foods are hard to come about. Engaging in activities outside of school prevents poor families from participating. Also there are usually single parent’s families and the parent must work and can’t afford extra activities. To help with the with the cost of food, you can try changing how you prepare your foods. Try baking most of your foods instead of frying, also try eating more vegetables of course.
Food
Food may be the most obvious reason for obesity. If you are taking IN more calories than you are EXPENDING or getting rid of, you will gain weight over time while slowing down your metabolism. A slower metabolism means your body is unable to digest food as quickly, which makes weight loss even harder. See our 'Tips' page to learn about better eating habits that will cause you to see a drastic change in your health and weight.