Cause of Overweight and Obesity

Cause of Overweight and Obesity

Overweight and obesity are complex conditions that arise from a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. While genetics play a role in determining body weight and body fat distribution, the rapid increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity over the past few decades suggests that environmental and lifestyle factors are major contributors to the epidemic (Afshin et al., 2019).

One of the main environmental factors contributing to overweight and obesity is the food environment. The food environment refers to the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food in a given area. In many countries, the food environment has undergone significant changes in recent years, with an increase in the availability of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods, often referred to as "junk food" (Afshin et al., 2019). These foods are often high in calories, sugar, and fat, and are marketed heavily to children and adolescents. The increased consumption of these foods has been linked to weight gain and an increased risk of obesity (Lobstein et al., 2015).

Another major contributor to overweight and obesity is a lack of physical activity. Advances in technology and changes in work and leisure time have led to a more sedentary lifestyle for many people. This decrease in physical activity, combined with an increase in calorie intake, has led to a positive energy balance, where energy intake exceeds energy expenditure, resulting in weight gain (Afshin et al., 2019). In addition to a lack of physical activity, other environmental factors that contribute to overweight and obesity include urbanization, which may limit opportunities for physical activity, and a lack of access to safe and affordable recreational spaces (Lobstein et al., 2015).

Behavioral factors also play a significant role in overweight and obesity. Unhealthy eating habits, such as consuming large portion sizes, skipping meals, and eating too many high-calorie foods, have been linked to weight gain and an increased risk of obesity (Afshin et al., 2019). In addition, factors such as stress, lack of sleep, and depression can also contribute to weight gain and obesity (Lobstein et al., 2015).

While the causes of overweight and obesity are complex and multifactorial, there is evidence to suggest that a combination of environmental, lifestyle, and behavioral changes can be effective in preventing and managing these conditions. Efforts to improve the food environment, increase physical activity, and promote healthy eating habits are among the key strategies that can be employed to address the overweight and obesity epidemic (Afshin et al., 2019; Lobstein et al., 2015).

References:

Afshin, A., Sur, P. J., Fay, K. A., Cornaby, L., Ferrara, G., Salama, J. S., ... & James, S. L. (2019). Health effects of dietary risks in 195 countries, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. The Lancet, 393(10184), 1958-1972.

Lobstein, T., Jackson-Leach, R., Moodie, M. L., Hall, K. D., Gortmaker, S. L., Swinburn, B. A., ... & McPherson, K. (2015). Child and adolescent obesity: part of a bigger picture. The Lancet, 385(9986), 2510-2520.