In an era where health awareness is crucial, it’s essential to comprehend the factors contributing to obesity. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) sheds light on these causes, urging individuals to take proactive steps towards better health.
Genetic Factors:
- The NICHDunderscores the role of genetics in predisposing individuals to obesity. While genetic factors may influence weight, lifestyle choices play a significant role in managing and mitigating these effects.
Environmental Influences:
- NICHD emphasizes how the environment, including access to healthy food options and opportunities for physical activity, plays a pivotal role in obesity. By making informed choices in our surroundings, we can positively impact our weight and overall well-being.
Behavioral Patterns:
- Unhealthy behaviors, such as poor dietary choices and sedentary lifestyles, are identified as key contributors to obesity. The NICHDencourages individuals to be mindful of their habits and make conscious decisions to promote healthier living.
Psychological Factors:
- The connection between mental health and obesity is highlighted, emphasizing how emotional factors can contribute to overeating. Recognizing and addressing emotional triggers is crucial in managing weight and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Socioeconomic Factors:
- The NICHD acknowledges that socioeconomic factors, such as income and education, can impact access to healthy resources. By advocating for equal opportunities and education on nutrition, individuals can empower themselves to make healthier choices.
Medical Conditions:
- Certain medical conditions are identified as potential contributors to obesity. While addressing these conditions may be challenging, the article underscores the importance of working closely with healthcare professionals to manage weight effectively.
Family Dynamics:
- The influence of family habits and dynamics on obesity is discussed. Creating a supportive environment at home, where healthy habits are encouraged and modeled, can significantly contribute to overall family well-being.
The NICHD serves as a powerful call to action, urging individuals to be aware of the various factors contributing to obesity. By understanding the root causes and making conscious lifestyle choices, we can collectively work towards a healthier future. Let this information be a catalyst for change, inspiring everyone to prioritize their health and take proactive steps towards a balanced and fulfilling life.
EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE
Extract from the French Health Insurance on the causes of obesity
THE CAUSES OF OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY
The causes of overweight and obesity are multiple. The main ones are the profound change in the rhythms of life, diet and the significant reduction in physical activity.
Weight gain: an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure
When food intake and body expenditure are balanced, weight is stable in an adult. But, when the energy supplied is greater than that expended for a long period, weight gain gradually appears. This situation occurs if:
- caloric intakes are excessive (fatty, sugary diet, low in fiber, intake of sugary drinks, large portions, alcohol consumption, etc.);
- daily energy expenditure is insufficient (physical inactivity and/or lack of physical activity and sedentary lifestyle in front of the television, video games, car travel, office jobs, etc.)
Under these conditions, the body develops its fat mass (or adipose tissue). This is made up of cells (called adipocytes) more or less filled with fat. This tissue represents on average 32% of body weight in women and 16% in men. Lean mass, for its part, represents the weight of muscles, organs and viscera.
Faced with an imbalance in the energy balance, the evolution follows two phases:
- the increased weight (dynamic phase). The adipocytes fill with fat and excess weight appears;
- the weight remains high (static phase). Adipocytes multiply, which increases the body’s fat storage capacity and creates the conditions for additional weight gain.
- Psychological factors and pace of life involved in being overweight
Weight gain is also promoted by:
- eating disorders: snacking, hyperphagic bulimia, compulsive consumption in cases of stress or great distress (especially high-calorie comfort foods), etc.
- anxiety or depressive disorders, periods of psychological or social difficulty (professional, economic, family difficulties, etc.);
- a reduction in sleep time;
- stopping smoking without appropriate measures;
- excessive alcohol consumption.
Genetic background, critical periods of life or diseases favoring weight gain
Genetic factors are sometimes involved in the development of obesity. Thus, children of obese parents have a greater risk of becoming overweight.
Certain rare genetic diseases can also be accompanied by obesity.
Regardless, being overweight or obese in childhood can increase the risk of developing obesity in adulthood.
Pregnancy and menopause are also periods of life conducive to weight gain.
Finally, illnesses (such as hypothyroidism), or taking certain medications (anxiolytics, antidepressants, antiepileptics, antidiabetics, etc.) cause overweight and obesity to appear.
source: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/obesity/conditioninfo/cause & https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/themes/surpoids-obesite-adulte/definition-causes-risques#:~:text=Les%20causes%20du%20surpoids%20et,importante%20de%20l’activité%20physique.
