Obesity
Obesity is a modern disease, which is directly related to an unbalanced diet. In developed countries, obesity has become very common and in developing countries, its victims are generally the affluent class. Obesity is a growing health problem worldwide, affecting people of all ages and socioeconomic groups. It is defined as an excess accumulation of body fat that results in a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Obesity is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, behavioral, and cultural factors. The consequences of obesity are far-reaching, including increased risk of chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers, as well as decreased quality of life and social stigma. Despite the prevalence and serious consequences of obesity, it is a preventable and treatable condition with a combination of lifestyle changes, medical interventions, and social support.
Definition of obesity
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| Obesity and its reasons |
Different definitions of obesity:
Medical Definition of Obesity:
Obesity is a condition in which a person has an excessive amount of body fat, resulting in a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher.
Dietary Definition of Obesity:
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| Obesity and its reasons |
Genetic Definition of Obesity:
Obesity is a condition that is passed down from generation to generation and is largely influenced by genetics.Lifestyle Definition of Obesity:
Obesity is a result of a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, and a lack of physical activity.Psychological Definition of Obesity:
Obesity can be defined as a psychological state in which a person uses food to cope with stress or emotional distress, leading to an excessive accumulation of body fat.Cultural Definition of Obesity:
Obesity is a condition that is defined differently in different cultures and is influenced by societal norms, cultural attitudes, and beliefs about body weight and size.Economic Definition of Obesity:
Obesity can be defined as a condition that is influenced by economic factors such as poverty, food insecurity, and access to healthy food options.Reasons of obesity
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| Obesity and its reasons |
Obesity occurs only when food is consumed in excess of the human body's needs. Now we come to the factors that lead to obesity in the human body.
1 - Age and gender
Generally, it occurs equally in both sexes i.e. men and women, but it is more common in women who have reached old age i.e. 45 years and above.Age:
Children: Children who are obese have a higher risk of becoming overweight or obese as adults. This is because habits developed in childhood are likely to continue into adulthood.Adulthood: As people age, their metabolism slows down, making it easier to gain weight. At the same time, many people become less active, which can also contribute to weight gain. Additionally, changes in hormone levels and age-related muscle loss can also contribute to weight gain.
Gender:
Women: Women are more likely to be affected by obesity than men, due to a combination of factors such as hormonal imbalances, cultural attitudes, and different patterns of physical activity.Men: Men are less likely to be affected by obesity than women, but they are still at risk. Men are more likely to engage in physical activity and may have a more active metabolism. However, they are also more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as excessive alcohol consumption and unhealthy eating habits.
It's important to note that both age and gender are not the sole cause of obesity. Other factors such as genetics, diet, physical activity, and social and cultural influences also play a role.
2- Economic condition
Most obese people belong to the affluent class.3- Eating habits
Obese people have different eating habits. Some people have a habit of eating something all the time, which makes gaining weight inevitable. In contrast, people who eat adequate amounts after longer intervals are less likely to be obese.4- Physical routines
Obesity is less common in people who lead active lifestyles. And exercise regularly. In today's mechanized age, the means of transportation have become so fast and convenient that people have less opportunity to walk and exercise. This is the reason why office people and business people become obese relatively sooner than people whose routine includes little exercise. A farmer who works all day or a housewife who does housework all day does not usually fall under obesity.5-Psychological factors
There is no longer any doubt that psychologically disturbed people do not act in moderation in eating and drinking and are forced to eat and drink more in any emotional state, such people are more likely to be obese.Psychological factors of obesity include:
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| Obesity and its reasons |
Emotional eating:
Eating in response to stress, boredom, anger, or other emotional triggers rather than hunger.Low self-esteem:
People with low self-esteem may overeat to feel better about themselves or to cope with negative feelings.Stress:
Chronic stress can lead to overeating and decreased physical activity, leading to weight gain.Body image dissatisfaction:
Negative feelings about one's body can lead to overeating and a lack of motivation to engage in physical activity.Social factors:
Being surrounded by people who also overeat or lead sedentary lifestyles can contribute to weight gain.Childhood experiences:
Childhood experiences, such as childhood trauma or neglect, can lead to overeating and weight gain later in life.Lack of control:
Individuals who feel like they have little control over their lives may turn to food for comfort, leading to overeating and weight gain.Depression:
Depression is associated with overeating, decreased physical activity, and weight gain.Hereditary factors
Hereditary factors of obesity refer to the genes that are passed down from one generation to another that can influence a person's likelihood of developing obesity. The presence of specific genetic variations can affect how the body processes and stores fat, how regulates hunger and fullness, and how metabolizes food. However, it's important to note that while genetics play a role, they are not the only factor that contributes to obesity, and a healthy lifestyle, including diet and physical activity, is still crucial in maintaining a healthy weight.Insidious factors
Some people think obesity can also be caused by a malfunction in the body's glands and these glands are Pituitary Gland and Thyroid Glands.Lack of physical activity: sedentary lifestyles and lack of exercise can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
Some Insidious factors are the following:
Poor diet:
Consuming high-calorie, high-fat, and processed foods on a regular basis can increase weight gain and contribute to obesity.Genetics:
Obesity can run in families and be influenced by genetics.Medical conditions:
Some medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, and polycystic ovary syndrome, can lead to obesity.Medications:
Some medications, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, can cause weight gain and contribute to obesity.Psychological factors:
Emotional eating, stress, and lack of sleep can all contribute to weight gain and obesity.Social and cultural factors:
Cultural norms and peer pressure can impact food choices and physical activity levels, leading to weight gain and obesity.Environmental factors:
Availability of high-calorie and unhealthy food options, lack of safe places to exercise, and exposure to food advertising can all contribute to obesity.|These were the various factors that lead to obesity, but the most obvious and prominent contributors are overeating and lack of exercise.
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| Obesity and its reasons |





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