WHAT IS THE CAUSE FOR OBESITY AND OVERWEIGHT

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Genetics

Obesity has a strong genetic component. Offsprings of obese parents are much more likely to become obese than offsprings of lean parents.Science shows that genetics plays a role in obesity. Genes can directly cause obesity in disorders such as Bardet-Biedl syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome. However genes do not always predict future health. Genes and behavior may both be needed for a person to be overweight. In some cases multiple genes may increase one’s susceptibility for obesity and require outside factors; such as abundant food supply or little physical activity.Sometimes even people who carry genes associated with obesity don't become overweight, and vice versa. That's because, along with possible genetic factors, weight is also influenced by lifestyle factors. Many people realize and understand that their family history and genetics plays a role in their health and life when it comes to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, breast cancer, alcoholism and other diseases. No doubt, these problems tend to run in families. However lifestyle, nutrition and environmental factors play a role as well.

Food Addiction

People gain weight when they eat more calories than they burn through activity. This imbalance is the greatest contributor to weight gain.The fact is that junk foods can cause full-blown addiction in susceptible individuals. People lose control over their eating behavior, in the same way as alcoholics lose control over their drinking behavior. If you consistently burn all of the calories that you consume in the course of a day, you will maintain your weight. If you consume more energy (calories) than you expend, you will gain weight. Excess calories are stored throughout your body as fat.Healthy eating and physical activity are important for a healthy active life.

Stress and related issues

Some people eat more than usual when they are bored, angry, upset, or stressed.Stress is a common thread intertwining these factors. For example, these days it's commonplace to work long hours and take shorter or less frequent vacations. In many families, both parents work, which makes it harder to find time for families to shop, prepare, and eat healthy foods together. Some people with depression overeat, which can lead to obesity.There are also certain inherited conditions and other diseases of the brain that can cause excess weight gain. Researchers have also discovered that chronic stress can cause the body to release excess cortisol, a hormone critical in managing fat storage and energy use in the human body. Cortisol is known to increase appetite and may encourage cravings for sugary or fatty foods.