People who are obese or overweight are more likely to experience a wide variety of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, and cancer. Despite this, over 35 percent of American adults qualify as obese, and 34 percent are overweight. Clearly, this problem needs to be addressed. If you are obese or overweight, Men’s Vitality Center in Tucson can help. We offer medically monitored weight loss management so that you can lose weight healthily and keep it off. In the meantime, here are some common causes of obesity:
Inactive Lifestyles
A majority of Americans are not physically active because their lifestyle does not incorporate much movement. It is typical to have an office job during which you sit in front of a computer screen all day, and then many people are too tired to do anything active after work and spend the night in front of the television. There is actually a link between obesity and spending more than two hours per day watching television. Additionally, many Americans rely on their vehicles more than walking, and modern conveniences in general have made being active less necessary than in the past.
People with inactive lifestyles gain weight because they do not burn as many calories as they are ingesting. Even if you are not obese, an inactive lifestyle raises the risk of many health problems such as colon cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Genetics and Family Influence
Obesity runs in families. Your chances of being obese or overweight are far greater if your parents are obese or overweight. Studies of twins raised in two different families show that this influence is genetic and not strictly environmental. However, the way you were raised certainly has an effect on your eating and exercise habits. If a family is inactive and eats junk food, a child is much more likely to be obese. A child is less likely to be obese if their family has healthy nutrition and exercise habits. Therefore, while genes have a big influence, the family environment also contributes.
Certain Health Conditions
Obesity can also be caused by certain health conditions. For example, conditions related to hormones, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s syndrome, often cause weight problems.
Medications
There are also certain medications that cause weight gain by slowing your metabolism, increasing your appetite, or causing bloating. Some of these medications include antidepressants, corticosteroids, and seizure medicines.
Emotional Issues
There are also many people who use food as a coping mechanism for their emotions. They may eat when they are bored, stressed out, angry, or depressed. Over time, this habit causes weight gain, which may lead to obesity.
Sleep Deficiency
A lot of research indicates that a lack of sleep is correlated to obesity. This is because sleep helps to maintain the balance of ghrelin and leptin, the hormones in your body that make you hungry and full, respectively. When you do not get enough sleep, you feel hungrier than when you get enough sleep. Additionally, sleep regulates insulin, the hormone that controls your blood sugar. Therefore, a lack of sleep may contribute to your risk of developing diabetes.
Clearly, obesity is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Thankfully, there is hope. Men’s Vitality Center in Tucson can help with our weight loss management services. Contact us today for more information.