| Q.
What are the causes of obesity?
Obesity may be the caused
by one or more of the following factors:
1. Genetic Factors
Obesity tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic link. Yet families
also share diet and lifestyle habits that may also contribute to obesity.
Separating these from purely genetic factors is not easy.
2. Environmental Factors
Environment also strongly influences obesity. This includes lifestyle
behavior such as what a person eats and his or her level of physical activity.
3. Psychological Factors
Psychological factors also influence eating habits. Many people eat in
response to negative emotions such as boredom, sadness, or anger.
Most overweight people
have no more psychological problems than people of average weight. Even
so, up to 10 percent of people who are mildly obese and try to lose weight
on their own or through commercial weight loss programs have binge eating
disorder. This disorder is even more common in people who are severely
obese.
4. Other Causes of Obesity
Some illnesses can lead to obesity or a tendency to gain weight. These
include hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, depression, and certain neurological
problems that can lead to overeating. Also, drugs such as steroids and
some antidepressants may cause weight gain.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you believe that you are suffering from obesity and would like to reduce
your weight and fat, discuss your options with your doctor.
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