Written by Athira Vinod | Edited by Sameer Rajesh and Nicole Xu

Obesity is a health issue that has been on the rise in recent years. Generally defined by a body mass index of 30.0 or higher, obesity is an indication of higher than healthy levels of body fat (Mayo Clinic). Considering the prevalence of this condition in the United States, an extensive look into the causes of obesity is much needed. 

Potential contributors to obesity can look different for everyone. One of the most commonly cited factors of the condition is a poorly balanced diet. Consuming large portions of foods high in fats or carbohydrates can lead to weight gain (Nammi et al.). Although committing to a healthier diet may appear to be a simple solution to these concerns, it is important to consider the various components that play a part in going through with such plans. For instance, a restrictive diet plan may further contribute to an increased urge to eat more frequently (Nammi et al.). Alternatively, one’s living conditions may not permit the luxury of finding quality fruits and vegetables, which would force them to turn to a less than ideal diet (Pan et al.). An unbalanced diet becomes a more potent predictor of obesity when combined with a sedentary lifestyle. The lack of exercise prevents the burning of calories taken in through meals, leading to a rise in weight gain. One’s life situation can have an immense effect on this factor; staying active becomes a much less attainable goal if one’s schedule does not allow for it, or if one’s surroundings do not hold safe spaces for exercise (Pan et al.). 

Although most conversations about obesity center around diet and exercise, there are several other facets to the condition. The genetic component of obesity is often overlooked, despite being a significant contributor. Implementing changes in food consumption or adopting a more active lifestyle may not produce as notable a change in some compared to others. One main reason for this may be that the individual’s fat distribution or ability to burn calories matches that of their parents (Hampton). Genetic factors such as these can have a sizable impact on where one’s BMI stands. It is also worth noting that similarities in weight among family members can be attributed to lifestyle and eating behaviors that are shared within the family (Nammi et al.). Apart from these environmental influences, however, genetic predispositions to obesity can reveal themselves in the form of diseases that can directly or indirectly increase the likelihood of obesity. The need for medications or the inability to walk, for example, can lead to an increase in weight over time (Mayo Clinic). 

Like all conditions and diseases, obesity has many overlapping causes that can all contribute in some form to weight gain. In order to lower the rate of obesity, it is essential that these underlying factors be taken into consideration when planning healthy lifestyle changes. Although a variety of elements can influence the development of obesity, managing the controllable factors can be a major stepping stone to a longer and healthier life.

Bibliography

Hampton, Tracy. “Role of Genes in Obesity and Fat Distribution.” JAMA, JAMA Network, 7 Apr. 2015, jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2214075. 

Mayo Clinic. “Obesity.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 15 Feb. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/symptoms-causes/syc-20375742. 

Nammi, Srinivas, et al. “Obesity: An Overview on Its Current Perspectives and Treatment Options.” Nutrition Journal, BioMed Central, 14 Apr. 2004, nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2891-3-3. 

Pan, Liping, et al. “Food Insecurity Is Associated with Obesity among US Adults in 12 States.” Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4584410/.