Causes of Obesity

Have you ever wondered what causes obesity? Everyone is in such a hurry to get to work, and to get home from work, that convenience as taken over our very existence. Fast food restaurants make for a great dinner in front of our huge plasma tv's. When it is time to go to bed, we sit down at our computers to check facebook, or play an internet game or just surf the internet. Time gets away from us. We get to bed after midnight, and it is time to start the day all over again, and then we wonder why we are obese.

The cause of obesity is not all about what you are eating as related to your physical activity. We acknowledge the fact that unhealthy eating, fast food, the lack of exercise, and sleep deprivation are some of the main causes to obesity, but there are many other things that may also figure into obesity

Sleep Deprivation

The connection between obesity and sleep is very interesting. Sleep deprivation can cause you to gain weight by increasing your hunger, and affecting your metabolism.

Extra weight can bring on sleeping disorders such as sleep apnea, which causes sleep deprivation.

This cycle of obesity and weight gain is a downward spiral that is almost viral in nature. Your action and intervention will be needed to slow down this descending spiral.

How often do you walk around tired? Losing weight is about a lifestyle change, and in that change, you need to get the correct amount of sleep. Losing weight is not all about exercise.

Genes

Your genetics play a small part in how your body balances calories, and energy. Children who have obese parents tend to be overweight. Heredity does not mean that you have to be overweight though, but it can make you more susceptible in gaining weight.

You cannot change your genetic make up at this time, but you can eat better, exercise, and get a good nights sleep to achieve your weight loss goals, even with a family history of obesity. It is easy to blame our genes for our weight problems.

Medications

Certain medications can also play a role in the causes of obesity. Steroid medicines are common problem because it can water retention and bloating.

Some migraine medicines have been known to cause weight gain.

Antidepressants, mood altering medicines, sometimes used for stress, and anxiety medicines can also contribute to weight gain.

Don't stop any of your medications! Make an appointment with your doctor to talk about your issues with weight gain, and they can probably give you another prescription that won't interfere with your weight loss journey.

Medical Problems

Less than 2% of all cases of obesity can be attributed to a metabolic disorder, such as low thyroid function, or a hormonal imbalance.

In Conclusion

The causes of obesity are usually by not eating healthy foods, not exercising, and lack of sleep. There are many attributing factors that can cause obesity. The truth still remains that we have to pay close attention to the calories we consume, and exercise to burn off the excess. We need to get the recommended amount of sleep, and adjust our calorie intake as we get older. Always check with your physician for any medical problems, or medication changes. The past is history, the future is not yet written, what will you choose right now?

Dr. A's Habits of Health: The path to permanent Weight Control and Optimal Health