What Causes Obesity and How To Treat It

It’s easy to see what are the causes of obesity on the surface; consuming more than what you can burn through physical exertion and activity will lead to weight gain and/or obesity. Though this is true, it may not be the entire case.

Each and every one of us are different – from the way we look, move, speak and act. Even our preference with food is different. These all are stemming from our genetic make up. And the risk factors that cause obesity can be a combination of genes, lifestyle choices and metabolic factors. Health conditions can also contribute to weight gain.

Genes

Is your mom and dad fit? Is one of them obese? Studies say that “fat genes” are real. You can inherit obesity from your parents if one of them is overweight or obese. If one or both of your parents is obese, you are 25% more likely to become obese yourself.

The areas where you carry weight depend on your heredity as well. If one of your parents carry the weight in the middle or hips area, you are most likely to get that too.

Choices in Lifestyle

If you are living a very sedentary lifestyle, even if you’re eating healthily, you are most likely to still gain some weight. Making sure that you burn more than what you eat will help you stay fit. Life choices is an extremely important factor when it comes to preventing or treating obesity.

If you prefer sugary, high in fat, refined foods, chances are you’ll still gain the pounds. As people prefer to eat-and-go, more people tend to choose fast food. This is not the kind of lifestyle you should take. A balanced diet and controlled portions should be your choice.

Metabolic System and Hormones

The calories from the food we eat becomes the energy we use to fuel our bodies. Though all of us use calories as the basic energy unit, we all metabolize differently. This means, the way you expend energy may not be the same as your sister’s. Metabolic rate is different for everyone. However, it also plays a vital role in determining your weight.

This is also the same with hunger. Hunger can also be triggered by hormones – even though you just ate 30 minutes ago. Hunger and appetite is dependent on how much ghrelin is released in your body. Hormones also play a part in the feeling of fullness.

Treating Obesity For Adults

Setting a goal is the important part in treating obesity. While some people may want to lose weight due to fashion, societal or vanity reasons, it is a must that losing as little as 10% of your current body weight will have a huge improvement in your health. The positive effects of losing as little as 10 pounds will alleviate some stress on your organs. No two people are alike.

A weight loss plan for you may not work for the other. Stick to a plan that works for you. The best method in losing the weight is to take it slowly. Often times, quick loss will spur up weight gain as soon as you slow down. Planning for a 2 lbs loss per week is more preferable. If you keep this course for the next 3 years, you’ll lose around 70 lbs for good.

In the end, it is the life choices that you make that will matter. Obesity is not easy to treat, as obesity can also affect your mentality and emotions. As mentioned, setting a goal is very important, but staying on the goal is the key to a successful weight loss. If you are an individual who is suffering with obesity, check with your physician on options that you can take to become better.