Obesity Epidemic: 10 Surprising Yet Possible Causes of Obesity

Did you know that aside from diet and exercise, there are other causes of obesity? These causes are so surprising and yet these are possible reasons why there’s an obesity epidemic.

The obesity epidemic is one of the most visible yet neglected public health problems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it poses a major risk for serious diet-related noncommunicable diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and stroke.

This is why it is important that you know the causes of obesity. While it’s well accepted that reduced physical activity and fast food are linked to it, experts suggest 10 other possible causes, outlined in the International Journal of Obesity.

Today, many get less shut-eye than ever. Getting too little sleep can increase body weight. According to WebMD, sleep deprivation can sabotage your waistline and health.

“It’s not so much that if you sleep, you will lose weight, but if you are sleep-deprived, meaning that you are not getting enough minutes of sleep or good quality sleep, your metabolism will not function properly,” explains Michael Breus, PhD, author of Beauty Sleep and the clinical director of the sleep division for Arrowhead Health in Glendale, Arizona.

Hormones control body weight. And many of today's pollutants affect our hormones.

There have been a lot of studies connecting air pollution to obesity, especially in children. A study indicated that “Strong evidence was found to support the theory that air pollution exposure is one of the factors that increase the risk of childhood obesity.”

I’m not saying that you need to turn it off if you need it because it will save you from the heatwave! However, you have to burn calories. So if your environment is too hot or too cold for comfort, you won’t be burning calories.

And today, more people live and work in temperature-controlled homes and offices. When we are inside an air-conditioned room, our bodies need not spend this energy to adjust to room temperature. This unused energy can be stored as body fat.

DISCLAIMER: SMOKING IS BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH.

Decreased smoking is included in the causes of obesity because some people who quit smoking can experience weight gain. Nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco smoke, speeds up the metabolism. When people stop smoking, their metabolism slows down, so they burn fewer calories than while they were smoking.

Another reason why is that many people who smoke find their eating habits change when they quit smoking. Some people experience increased hunger as a withdrawal symptom.

So, in conclusion, it is advisable to quit smoking and start practicing healthy habits to prevent obesity after quitting. Your doctor can help you prevent weight gain after quitting smoking.

Some medications can lead to weight gain if you don't compensate through diet or activity. These medications include some antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, diabetes medications, antipsychotic medications, steroids and beta blockers.

Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about the effects of your medications. Always remember that through healthy lifestyle habits, you can also beat weight gain.

Your genes may be one of the causes of obesity. It may also play a role in how your body converts food into energy, how your body regulates your appetite, and how your body burns calories during exercise.

Obesity tends to run in families. More than the genes, it’s also because families tend to share similar eating behaviors and habits.

Although obesity can happen at any age, especially in children, ageing can be one of the causes of obesity.

Lower muscle mass leads to decreased metabolism. Because as we age, the amount of muscle in our body tends to decrease. If you don't consciously control your daily habits, you might as well be at risk of obesity.

For example, if you don’t have a safe area to walk or exercise, then it might be difficult for you to avoid weight gain. Another example is the access to healthier foods. In addition, the people around you might influence your weight — you're more likely to develop obesity if you have friends or relatives with obesity.

Hey momma, it’s okay. Weight gain is common during pregnancy.

However, some women find this weight difficult to lose after the baby is born. This weight gain may contribute to the development of obesity in women. It’s important to have a healthy lifestyle after giving birth not just to prevent obesity but also for you and your baby.

Many external factors that affect mood and well-being may contribute to obesity. When you’re stressed, it can be tempting to skip meals or eat too much junk food. Instead of consuming a lot of comfort food, try stress-reducing foods when you stress eat.

These are 10 causes of obesity that are surely surprising and yet still possible. The key to preventing obesity is forming healthy habits such as eating healthy and moving more.

To learn more about managing your food cravings and improving your holistic health and diet, check out my Cravings Management 101. With personalized advice and practical tips, you can dive into what's driving your food cravings and create your own cravings management menu.

With Love,

Pempi 💖