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Obesity: Causes and Effects

An individual’s weight is determined by the balance of calorie intake as well as the amount of physical activities in which he/ she participates. If a balance is maintained between these two, then an individual can maintain appropriate body weight. On the other hand if the amount of food consumed is more than the number of calories burnt, then the extra energy is stored in the body in the form of fat and as a result an individual gains weight. The mechanism of losing weight is simply the opposite of this. Below are the common causes and effects of obesity.

Causes of Obesity

  1. Genetics

If one or both the parents suffer from obesity, then there are increased chances that the children will also become obese. Inheritance of obesity is the reason why some new born babies are also born with obesity. Genetics plays major role in regulating fat regulation in the body. A hormone called Leptin is present in the placenta as well as fat cells in the body. Hence, it can promote obesity to some extent.

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  1. Overeating

Especially if the diet is rich in fats, then overeating is also a very common cause of obesity. Foods high in sugar/ fat as well as fried and fast food can also promote the deposition of fat in the body, ultimately leading to obesity. The frequency of eating also decides the amount of weight gained by an individual.

 

  1. Slow metabolism & inactivity

The more the muscles in the body, the faster the metabolism rate is. This is the reason why women have comparatively slower metabolism than men. People who lead an inactive lifestyle with minimal physical activities also tend to gain weight and become obese.

Effects of Obesity

Obesity has numerous negative effects on the body:

  1. Diabetes

Overweight individuals tend to suffer from diabetes. Usually obese people acquire Type 2 Diabetes as they reach adulthood. But this problem has now become common in children as well. Being obese interrupts the functioning of the insulin hormone in the body. This hormone is responsible for regulating blood sugar in the body.

 

  1. High blood pressure

Obesity puts extra pressure on the heart in order to draw enough oxygen for the tissues and cells in the body. As a result, the blood pressure increases and hence the individual suffers from high blood pressure. In an effort to supply enough oxygen to all tissues and organs in the body, heart makes blood to flow through additional blood vessels and hence is a big threat to the patient’s life.

 

  1. Joint problem

Osteoarthritis is also a common problem faced by obese people. Because of the stress on the legs and hip due to being overweight, an individual can suffer from joint pain.

 

  1. Heart disease

Hardening of the arteries, also known as Atherosclerosis, is common in people suffering from obesity. This is because of the deposition of fat along the walls of arteries and blood vessels.

Not only this, insomnia is also very common in obese people. Leading a healthy lifestyle is the only way of preventing as well as getting rid of obesity.