Blog

What Makes Me Fat? The Factors That Cause Obesity

Many factors cause obesity; this includes bad lifestyle choices, stress and genetics.

Lifestyle

Obesity does not happen over one night. It develops gradually from poor diet and lifestyle choices, resulting in an imbalance in energy or more “Energy IN” than “Energy OUT” over time. “Energy IN” is the amount of energy or calories you get from food and drinks. “Energy OUT” is the amount of energy your body uses in order to survive such as breathing, digesting, and even being physically active.

To maintain a healthy weight, your “Energy IN” and “OUT” don’t have to balance exactly every day. It’s the balance over time that helps you maintain a healthy weight.

Energy IN = Energy OUT over time → weight stays the same

Energy IN > Energy OUT over time → weight gain

Energy OUT > Energy IN over time → weight loss

Below are six common lifestyle that contribute to large weight gain

ü  Eating processed or fast food high in fat.

ü  Not eating fruit, vegetable or unrefined carbohydrate.

ü  Drinking too much alcohol.

ü  Eating out a lot, often with starter and/or dessert high in fat or sugar.

ü  Eating larger portion than you need.

ü  Lack of physical activity or exercise.

Stress

Have you ever noticed the increase in craving when in high stress? Stress is body’s natural reaction to deal with a perceived threat. While under stress, your body may assume you need more energy to cope with the threat or stress; you may eat in an attempt to fulfill emotional needs- referred to as stress eating or emotional eating. Researchers believe that certain hormones may play important role in this craving.

Serotonin– Many people crave for carbohydrate- cookies, ice creams, etc- when they feel upset, depressed or tired. When we consume carbohydrate, Serotonin- the body’s feel-good hormone- increases, helping us feel “better.”

Cortisol- Researchers also believe that chronic stress can cause body to release excess cortisol. Cortisol is known to increase appetite and may encourage craving for sugary or fatty foods.

Neuropeptide Y– Neuropeptide Y is a protein in the brain which increases food intake and storage of energy as fat. Various research studies demonstrated that repeated stress and a diet high in fat and sugar stimulated the release of Neuropeptide Y, causing fat to build up in the abdomen.

#Tip – Magnesium can be the stress reliever

(http://www.healthy.net/Health/Essay/Magnesium_The_Stress_Reliever/74)

NUTRIDOM Magnesium, Recommended Use 

• Helps to maintain proper muscle function.
• Helps in the development and maintenance of bones and teeth.
• Helps the body to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
• Helps in tissue formation.
• A factor in the maintenance of good health.

(Click!!!)

Genetic factors

There are some rare genetic conditions which significantly increases obesity, such as Prader-Willi Syndrome and Bardet-Biedl Syndrome. Currently, there are number of sites on the human genome that have been linked to the development of obesity. An alteration on these sites affects appetite and metabolism, making it more difficult to lose weight. However, experts believe that losing weight is not impossible for most people. Experts generally conclude that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to obesity.

Tags: genetics, lifestyle, obesity, stress