What are the causes of obesity?
Losing weight and keeping it off is often seen as a question of “energy in and energy out” – in other words, how much you eat and how much you move. But science has proven that there are many causes of overweight and obesity, some of which are outside your control.
Obesity is a chronic condition. And just like many other chronic conditions, it develops over time from a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors.
The causes of overweight and obesity are complicated and vary from person to person. These include:
Genetics
Tiny genetic variations can make you more likely to gain weight and store excess fat.
Hormones
The balance of hormones in your body can affect your appetite and food choices, as well as how much energy you use.
Stress
High stress levels can cause you to overeat and gain weight.
Sleep
How much and how well you sleep can affect your hormones, which can make you eat more food.
Medications
Some medicines can increase your appetite or affect your metabolism so that you gain weight.
Environment and socioeconomic status
Where you live and your access to different kinds of food is related to weight gain.
There are many factors that not only lead to weight gain but can make it difficult to lose the weight and keep it off. Understandably, it can be hard to know the best way forward in treating or managing overweight and obesity.
Much more than in-and-out: Complex reasons for weight gain
Although the causes of overweight and obesity are complex, there are people who think that it’s only a matter of lifestyle. It’s a common belief that if a person only ate the right food and exercised in the right way, they wouldn’t gain weight.
It’s true that the balance between the energy we take in from food and drinks and the energy we use through movement and everyday body functions can influence weight. However, this only tells part of the story. Overweight and obesity are complex conditions influenced by many factors, and simply “eating less and moving more” isn’t always enough to manage weight.
Understanding the causes of overweight and obesity is the first step
By taking an approach to obesity that is similar to other chronic conditions, healthcare providers can help you transition to a healthier lifestyle.
To manage your weight in the best way, the first step is to identify which causes play a role. Since these vary from person to person, the approach should too – each individual needs support tailored to their own specific barriers.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare professional for medical advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
