The causes of obesity

Obesity, amongst adolescents and adults, is evolving as a grim health challenge. Obesity does not come alone, but, brings a host of associated ailments like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and other psychological problems along with it. So, it is essential to identify the causes of obesity and stitch them in time.

Diet is the chief culprit: This is the age of fast food. Eating outside is a trend. Pizza outlets and coffee corners are in fashion. Many people have to eat outside inevitably, as they work in other cities. Quick-to-make and ready-to-eat foods have replaced healthy snacks, nuts, fruits and vegetables long back. All of these contribute to unwanted calories, making one prone to obesity. Junk the junk and fast food fast.

Lifestyle plays a role: A desk-bound sedentary lifestyle adds to inactivity, and as a result, we do not break down and burn adequate calories. Thus, the number of calories consumed is always more than that utilized, and excess calories get  stored by the body leading to weight gain and obesity. Remote controls, cars, and lifts too have made us lazy and inactive. People who drink beer and other alcoholic beverages gulp down a lot of empty calories and are more prone to obesity.

Genetic predisposition: Children, whose even one parent is overweight or obese, have higher propensity towards packing on pounds rapidly and developing obesity. Studies have found that Indians are more prone to obesity.

Lack of activity: Just a short walk for 20-30 minutes, is sufficient to keep you in shape, boost immunity and shed off those extra kilos and prevent obesity. An extensive workout is needed by people who are already obese.

Psychological factors: The habit of using food to deal with negative emotions plays a detrimental role. Do not turn to food for comfort, as depression and stress, make us eat high-calorie food like pizza and pastries. And, do not use it excessively to celebrate either. Find some alternative ways for dealing with both.

Medical illness: Hypothyroidism, depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder increases craving for food, thus, predisposing the person to obesity.

Drugs: Steroids, anti-depressants, birth-control pills can cause weight gain and obesity.