What causes obesity?
There are a variety of factors that play a role, but we will keep it simple by mentioning eight broad areas that have an impact on obesity: individual behavior, genetic factors, metabolism, environment, culture, socioeconomic status, diseases, and drugs (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012a).
Of the above factors, those that provide the greatest opportunity for prevention and treatment are individual behavior and environment (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012a).
- Behavior: One cause of obesity may be overeating, taking in more calories than one uses.
- Genetic factors: Genes may directly cause obesity in some disorders such as Bardet-Biedl syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome. In some cases genetics might make one more susceptible to obesity, but actually becoming obese may still depend on an abundant food supply or little exercise.
- Metabolism: Some people have naturally lower metabolism rates and therefore burn fewer calories than others.
- Environment: An environment that is not conducive to exercise can contribute to obesity in individuals. For example: if there are no sidewalks, or it is unsafe to walk in an area, people may choose to drive and thus get little exercise.
- Culture: What foods one eats and the amount of exercise one gets are affected by one’s culture.
- Socioeconomic status: Income level and level of education have an impact on obesity as shown under “Obesity affects some groups more than others.”
- Diseases: Diseases such as Cushing’s disease or polycystic ovary syndrome may lead to weight gain or obesity.
- Drugs: Use of steroids or some antidepressants may contribute to weight gain.
Of the above factors, those that provide the greatest opportunity for prevention and treatment are individual behavior and environment (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012a).