Causes Of Obesity

Many people become obese but don't know why. There are plenty of people that claim they eat well yet remain obese. How can this be the case? To better understand how one becomes obese, one must first review the primary causes for obesity.

There are some situations that may result in excessive weight gain. For example, some people do have a genetic tendency to carry more body fat, and certain medications can cause one to gain some weight. Typically however, these effects can be mitigated through proper attention to healthcare and nutrition.

Let's review some of the more common causes of obesity and then discuss tools you can use to overcome obesity and live a fulfilling and prosperous life.

Obesity Primary Causes
There are many causes of obesity and overweight.

1. Exercise, or Lack Thereof - far too often people begin gaining weight because they are not exercising enough. Many people become less physically active as they age. Others become less active because they would rather watch television or play video games than exercise. The key to overcoming these obstacles is realizing you can get exercise or engage in physical activity without necessarily "exercising". What that means is any type of physical activity that increases your resting metabolic rate will benefit you as a form of physical activity. You can park farther away from your destination so you have to walk a bit extra each day. Little steps like this eventually turn into life-changing steps that enable you to become more physically active without engaging in "vigorous" exercise.
2. Eating Well - many people become overweight and then obese because they eat a diet that consists mainly of processed foods and fat. Human beings were not designed to digest large volumes of saturated fat and chemically laden food products. The more fiber you incorporate into your diet, the more likely you are to remain healthy or lose weight if that is your goal. This doesn't mean you can't eat the foods you like, there are plenty of good foods (even chocolate) that you can indulge in and still lose weight. The key is eating all foods in moderation. If you eat healthy most of the time, and slip up every now and again, you are probably not going to become obese overnight. If however, you routinely gorge on sweets and snacks, your risk for obesity and related illnesses rises significantly.
3. Getting Sleep - more than half the nation is sleep deprived. Sleep deprivation is a critical issue, one that can lead to chronic production of stress hormones in the body including cortisol. These can contribute to weight gain or make it difficult to lose weight. Try to establish a bedtime routine that allows you to get at least 7 hours of sleep every night. Ideally you will get at least 8 hours of sleep each night, but if that doesn't fit your schedule, then shoot for at least 7. Whatever you do, don't get less than 6 hours of sleep each night or you will end up eating more food while your body tries to compensate from the lack of energy (which results from poor sleep). If you find you can't sleep or suffer insomnia, talk to your doctor to see what you can do to improve your ability to fall or stay asleep at night.
4. Get An Annual Physical - many people do not get physicals each year unless their employer asks them to. Many women will have a gynecologic exam annually but that doesn't necessarily mean they will receive a full physical exam. A physical once yearly will help you and your doctor determine your overall health status. You should make a point to see your doctor at least once each year for 30-60 minutes. Make sure you get a CBC (laboratory blood tests), a blood glucose test and have your doctor address any nagging health problems you have, especially if they prevent you from digesting your food or eating well.