In this post, we will list the risk factors of obesity.
The common risk factors that predispose you to obesity are:
Unhealthy eating practices –The regular consumption of foods that contain high amounts sugar and fat increase your likelihood of becoming obese. Prioritizing the intake of processed food over nutritious alternatives also increase your likelihood of weight gain. In addition to this, when you constantly over-eat, you likely will experience weight gain that later leads to obesity. If you binge –eat often, you will likely gain weight over time, increasing your likelihood of becoming obese.
Sedentary lifestyle-Rarely engaging in any form of exercise or physical activity inclines you to weigh gain which can result in obesity over a period of time. If you constantly are sedentary i.e. spend a significant amount of time on the screen, seated in the office or just engage in minimal physical activity, you become susceptible to becoming obese. The extra energy is not utilized, it is stored and later causes weight gain.
Medications-There are certain medications associated with an increased likelihood of weight gain. For example, certain hormonal contraceptives, steroids etc. There are also certain medicines that enhance your appetite such that you feel hungry often. These drugs could predispose you to weight gain especially when used over long periods.
Certain health conditions-Certain health conditions such as hypothyroid have been associated with weigh gain.
Genetics-You are at an increased risk of becoming obese if both parents are also obese
Biological components –Research instigates a link between hormones ghrelin and leptin and obesity. There is a possibility that obese individuals have imbalances in the levels of these hormones i.e. they have higher levels of ghrelin and decreased levels of leptin.With the imbalances in these hormones, teher is a n incraes in appetite and a tendency to feel hungry often .This leads to over-eating.
Environment-If the most accessible foods for you are the processed ones and those filled with sugar and fat, you likely will consume them regularly. This can cause weight gain after some time. Alternatively, if you reside in an area where nutritious foods are more available, you will likely consume nutritious foods often, and will unlikely gain weight if you consume them adequately. In such an instance, your probability of becoming obese is low. Also if you reside in areas without walking paths and gymnasium centres, you are unlikely to feel motivated to participate in physical activities, unlike where these amenities are more accessible.
Please refer to topic on obesity for more on this.