There are many causes of obesity, including genetics, age, and psychology. Some people even have a predisposition for obesity. These are risk factors, however, and do not mean that a person of a certain age or with a specific genetic makeup will become obese.
Obesity is an accumulation of excessive fat that negatively affects your health. You are considered obese if you are 20 percent or more above normal weight or when your body mass index is over 30. A person is considered morbidly obese if he or she is 50-100% over normal weight, has a body mass index of over 40, or is more than 100 pounds over normal weight. Find out more in our blog What is Obesity and How Do You Find Help?
Here are a few of the lesser-known risk factors for obesity.
Genetic Factors
Obesity often runs in families, which is why many researchers believe there is a genetic influence. Families also share behaviors that can lead to obesity. If Mom and Dad eat a lot of high-fat foods or snack foods, frequently eat at unscheduled times, and skip meals, the chances are good that the children will have the same bad habits and could become obese. Along the same lines, parents who are not physically active tend to have children who are not physically active.
Emotional Factors
We know that emotions can take a physical toll, especially stress, depression, and anxiety. Many people use food to comfort themselves, and we all know that comfort foods are seldom healthy choices and usually promote weight gain.
Social Factors
Some social factors have been linked to obesity. A lower income restricts the food types that can be purchased, and poorer people often buy high-calorie, processed foods because they are less expensive and easier to prepare. Processed foods have been linked to obesity.
Your Job
Sure, you love your job. But sitting at a desk and staring at a screen all day isn’t helping your health. Then, by the time you get home, you’re too tired to exercise. So, you eat, go to bed, and do it all over again. It’s a vicious, sedentary cycle that can really pack on the pounds.
The Takeaway
There are many risk factors that can lead to obesity, but it all boils down to this: By making healthy food choices and getting enough exercise, you usually can maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight or obese and want to start your weight loss journey, healclub is here to help.