OBESITY- CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

By SNEHA MAVIS-Medo Drix

WORLD ANTI-OBESITY DAY 2022

Obesity and overweight are widespread conditions characterized by an increase in the size and number of fat cells in the body. Obesity is a chronic medical condition that increases the risk of heart disease, the primary cause of mortality in the United States, and a variety of other health issues, including type 2 diabetes and cancer.

 

Body mass index (BMI) is used by medical professionals as a screening tool for obesity and overweight. The body mass index, or BMI, measures body fat based on height and weight. It is calculated by dividing the body weight in kilograms by the square of the height in meters.

 

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS FOR OBESITY

 

●       Lack of Exercise:

 

The lack of physical activity mixed with excessive TV, desktop, and video games has indeed been linked to an elevated BMI (BMI). The majority of adults require 150 minutes or more of aerobic exercise every week. Children should engage in 60 min of aerobic activity every day.

 

●       Poor Eating Habits:

 

Some poor eating habits can put you at risk of being overweight or obese. These include

 

1.     Consumption of excess calories

2.     Excessive consumption of saturated fat

3.     Consuming foods with a lot of added sugar

 

●       Lack of Sufficient Sleep:

 

According to studies, having a high BMI is associated with having bad sleep, which can either refer to not getting sufficient sleep or obtaining enough sleep of low quality. Sleeping for an average of less than seven hours a night can have an impact on the hormone that regulates hunger. Receiving poor quality sleep can increase our tendency to overeat or fail to notice when we are full.

 

●       Excessive stress

 

Stress can have a negative impact on the brain and cause your body to produce hormones like cortisol, which regulate hunger pangs and energy levels. One may overeat and put on additional weight as a result of these hormonal changes.

 

●       Medical conditions:

 

Medical conditions can cause weight gain by reducing metabolism, increasing hunger, or limiting movement. Hypothyroidism, Insulin resistance, arthritis, and hormonal disorders including menopause and polycystic ovarian syndrome are among them.

 

●       Genetics:

 

There are at least 15 genes known to affect obesity, according to research. Scientists have uncovered genes that may predispose adolescents to develop obese. The FTO gene in particular seems to have an impact on hunger, food consumption, and BMI.

 

●       Medicines:

 

By interfering with the chemical impulses that alert the brain about hunger, certain medications lead to weight gain. These consist of:

 

1.     Antidepressants

2.     Antipsychotics

3.     Beta-blockers

4.     birth control

5.     Glucocorticoids

6.     Insulin