Obesity and Its Factors

Obesity is the condition when there is over accumulation of fat in the body. Obesity can be measured through BMI (Body-mass index). Those having BMI in the range of 25-29.9 fall under the category of overweight but those above the 29.9 are OBESE.

Factors Contributing to Obesity

Food Choices and activities influence on obesity

Consumption of ultra-processed foods with decreased fibers, increased calories, simple sugar and increased fat had led in increase 205 calories in an individual average regular intake since the 1960.

Consuming sugar-sweetened beverages (Soft drinks) and energy dense food such as fried items increase the risk of Obesity.

Eating more and doing less physical activity directly increase the weight and leads to obesity

Genetics and obesity

BMI is strongly correlated with genetic influence.

It is found that those parents are obese than there are more chances that their children are also at the risk of being Obese.

Gut micro biome and obesity

Gut micro biome are those bacteria, viruses eukaryotes etc. which live in the gut of the individual.

These are also called normal gut bacteria or biota.

These can make an impact on our metabolic functions which can leads to metabolic obesity.

Micro biome can increase in dietary harvest result in greater total body fat.

 

Chronological disruption and obesity

Chronological disruption means long term disruption of circadian rhythm (e.g. Sleep cycle disruption).

It is found that chronological disruptions are positively associated with obesity and lipid disorders.

Examples of Chronological disruption: - Sleep deprivation, Shifting normal eating time, shift work etc.

Hormones and obesity

Regulation of food intake of an individual is managed by hormonal and neural signals between Central nervous system and gut.

Hormones such as Insulin, estrogen, Leptin, androgen and growth hormone do impact on our appetite, body fat distribution and metabolism if these hormones are imbalanced.

 

Disorders and diseases influence on obesity

Certain disorders do impact on obesity such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Hypothyroidism, Cushing syndrome and some neurological problems are positively associated with weight gain and increase the risk of obesity.

Drugs and medication influence on obesity

Certain drugs and medication classes associated with weight gain and obesity.

Drugs such as Antidepressants, Antiepileptic drugs, beta-blockers and atypical antipsychotics increase the risk of gain weight.

 

Conclusion

By seeing the above article we can say there are so many factors that are increasing the prevalence of obesity among the individual. Some factors are avoidable such as food choices, chronological disruption etc and some need special attention such genetic factors because those having genetic risk of obesity should be aware about his/her lifestyle.

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