Common Causes of Obesity

People often assume that obesity is caused by eating too much food. While this can contribute to weight gain, there are many other factors that can cause obesity.

Environmental Causes

Yes, it is true that overeating or eating the wrong foods can contribute to obesity. In our modern society, we are inundated with unhealthy foods that contribute to the rise in obesity in the population. Foods of convenience like fast foods and processed foods have taken over healthy meals, and many of these meals contribute to poor nutrition and weight gain.

Psychological Causes

There are many different behavioral issues and psychological factors that also contribute to obesity. Some people eat in an attempt to make themselves happy, or they eat when they are stressed, bored, or tired. Many people that have suffered a childhood trauma such as molestation may also overeat in an attempt to make themselves less attractive, thereby making them unappealing to others.

Physical Conditions

There are many medical conditions that can also cause obesity. Both hypothalamus damage and a condition known as hypothyroidism can contribute to weight gain. Abnormal hormonal levels have also been proven to be a contributing factor in weight gain, and many people that have a hormonal imbalance often suffer from obesity, no matter what actions they try and take with their diet and exercise.

Medication

Many different types of medications can cause weight gain to occur, including some blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and diabetes drugs. Often, these medications are essential to a person's well being, and they must take them regardless of the fact that they cause them to gain weight.

Heredity

Many studies are pointing to the theory that obesity can be hereditary and can be caused by the genes that a family shares. Studies show that obesity tends to be present in families, however since families tend to live the same lifestyle, it can be difficult to determine whether the obesity is caused by genetics or simply by their lifestyle. Even so, it is becoming more apparent that there may be a connection between obesity and the genes you share with your family.

If you suffer from morbid obesity and are interested in learning about bariatric surgery, a weight loss surgeon at our Indiana center can help you understand the options that are available to you.