The terms “obesity” and “overweight” refer to an individual’s body weight. Also, it specifies whether the body weight is too high. Obesity is the high amount of excessive body fat a person can have. On the other hand, overweight is the additional body weight from fat, bone, muscle or water. Body mass index (BMI) is the most important and effective measuring tool for obesity and overweight. Read on to know about the causes of obesity and overweight.
Improper Energy Balance
This mainly causes obesity and overweight. This literally means the amount of energy gained is equivalent to the amount of energy expended. The gain in the energy is derived from the food and drinks which you consume. The energy is expended in activities such as digesting, breathing and other physical activities. The condition of overweight and obesity develops when you consume more calories than you utilize.
Family History and Genetics
The trend of obesity and overweight tends to run in families. If either one of your parent is obese or overweight, you have a greater chance of becoming obese. Also, your genes are responsible for the amount of fat deposition in your body. There is a strong link between the environment and genes.
Health Conditions
Some hormonal problems may result in obesity and overweight. These hormonal problems include polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), Cushing’s syndrome and hypothyroidism (under active thyroid).
Medicines
Some medicines may also result in you to gain weight. A few of the medicines include seizure medicines, antidepressants and corticosteroids. The medicines bloats your body by retaining water, increases your appetite or slows down the rate of burning calories in your body.
Smoking
A few people put on weight after they quit smoking. The prime reason is that food tastes much better after quitting smoking. Also, nicotine increases the rate of burning calories in your body. But, it a major health risk. Hence, quitting this habit is more important than possibly gaining weight.
