Obesity is a complicated disease that is affecting more and more people everyday. It isn’t simply a body image concern, it is a medical condition that can lead to serious illnesses if not treated. The fact is, some people are genetically predisposed to this condition but for others it’s through years and years of poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle that can cause this excessive weight gain.

What is Obesity?
Obesity is not the same as simply being overweight. Those who are considered obese would have to have a body mass index of 30 or more. When someone is obese, it also means that they are at a greater risk of contracting serious disease such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Obesity is difficult to treat as it requires lifestyle changes. Often people who are obese will lose weight only to unfortunately regain it back a few years later. However, with the right combination of treatments, weight loss is possible for individuals who are obese and some have been successful in losing weight and keeping it off.

Causes and Symptoms of Obesity?
Obesity can be considered to be a disease that is highly linked to food intake and exercise, although it also can be caused from certain medical conditions. Here are some top causes of obesity:

1. Diet
Eating high energy density foods such as breads, pastas, pastries and fast food items can lead to obesity if eaten frequently and over a long period. Not eating healthy foods such as fibre-rich fruits, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables can not only create havoc in the digestive system but can also lead to weight gain.

2. Medical conditions
Certain health conditions can lead to weight gain. These conditions include: Poly-cystic ovarian syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Cushing syndrome, hypothyroidism and osteoarthritis.

3. Emotional Eating
emotional eating
Emotional eating is overeating in response to negative emotions such as stress, boredom, anger or frustration. Around 30% of overweight people report that they have issues with binge eating.

4. Genetics
Around 400 genes have been said to contribute to overweight or obesity. These genes can influence factors such as appetite, metabolism, food cravings, satiety, emotional eating and body fat distribution in the body. Genetic influence can vary from person to person and can range from as low as a 25% influence to as high as a 80% influence.

5. Frequency of Eating
How often you eat can actually play a role in weight gain. Overweight people tend to eat less often than people with normal weight. Studies show that those who eat smaller meals four or five times a day have lower cholesterol levels and more stable blood sugar levels than people who eat only two to three meals per day.

6. Sleep Habits
Lack of sleep can cause hormonal changes in the body and can affect hunger and appetite. Sleep deprivation over a long period can have serious effects on your metabolism and set you up for weight gain. How do you know if you are obese? Here are some top symptoms to look out for:

Breathlessness
Snoring or sleep apnea
Unable to do physical activity
Excessive sweating
Exhaustion or tiredness on a day to day basis
Back and joint pains
Hormonal imbalance (irregular periods, mood swings,etc)
Skin and hair issues
Lack of confidence and low self-esteem
Feeling alone/isolated

Read more here: https://hetmat..com/2020/04/causes-symptoms-and-treatment-of-obesity.html?m=1

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