Leading Causes of Weight Gain and Obesity

Obesity is one of the biggest health problems in the world. It is associated with several related conditions, collectively known as metabolic syndrome. These include high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar and a poor blood lipid profile. People with metabolic syndrome are at a much higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, compared to those whose weight is in a normal range.

Over the past decades, much research has focused on the causes of obesity and how it could be prevented or treated.Here are some factors that are leading causes of weight gain, obesity and metabolic disease:

1. Genetics

Some people appear to be genetically susceptible to weight gain and obesity.

2. Engineered Junk Food

Stores are filled with processed foods that are hard to resist. These products promote overeating.

3. Food Addiction

Some people experience strong food cravings or addiction. This especially applies to sugar-sweetened, high-fat junk foods which stimulate the reward centers in the brain.

4. Aggressive Marketing

Food producers spend a lot of money marketing junk food, sometimes specifically targeting children, who don’t have the knowledge and experience to realize they are being misled.

5. Insulin

High insulin levels and insulin resistance are linked to the development of obesity. To lower insulin levels, reduce your intake of refined carbohydrate and eat more fiber.

6. Certain Medications

Some medications may promote weight gain by reducing the number of calories burned or increasing appetite.

7. Leptin Resistance

Leptin, an appetite-reducing hormone, doesn’t work in many obese individuals.

8. Food Availability

In some areas, finding fresh, whole foods may be difficult or expensive, leaving people no choice but to buy unhealthy junk foods.

9. Sugar

Scientists believe that excessive sugar intake may be one of the main causes of obesity.

The point of this article is to open people’s minds to the fact that something other than individual responsibility plays a role in the obesity epidemic. The fact is that modern eating habits and food culture must be changed to be able to reverse this problem.

Source :- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-causes-of-weight-gain#section12