What Causes Obesity

Obesity is a health condition where a person has excessive deposits of body fat. Men, women and children who have a body mass index over 30 are considered overweight. There are serious health consequences to obesity. Due to this it is important for people to understand what causes obesity. Those who know why they are overweight in the first place will be able to make lifestyle changes that will help them lose weight.

The common causes of obesity include both behavioral and genetic factors. The relationship between obesity and genetics is unclear. However it has been shown that overweight parents tend to have overweight kids. Generic factors tend to affect people under the age of 11. There is also a theory that parents who have bad eating habits pass them on to their children.

People in developed countries are more prone to this condition. This is because they tend to eat large portions, lead sedentary lifestyles and eat processed foods. In the past people were able to balance out their calorie consumption with an active lifestyle. Today many people eat calorie heavy foods which offer little or no nutritional value. They then spend the day indoors. Weight is gained by eating more calories than one is burning off. Those who eat too much without exercising will eventually become obese.

Health officials are concerned about obesity as it puts people at risk of life threatening illnesses. For example obese people are more likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Obesity is dangerous enough to be labeled "the silent killer". The best way to target this problem is to eat a healthy, calorie controlled diet. Obese people should also find ways to work exercise into their lives. Those who have serious health conditions may have to get gastric bypass surgery in order to lose weight. Doctors will recommend this to patients who they fear may become morbidly obese.