What are the primary causes of obesity?
Many factors can lead to obesity. The four main causes include: • Caloric intake – To work well, your body requires the energy that comes from food. When the amount of food you eat corresponds to your daily metabolic needs and physical activity, your weight stays the same. Excess caloric intake as a result of eating food high in fat and calories, or large portions of any type of food, increases your risk of obesity. • Heredity – Specific, rare hereditary diseases may increase the risk of obesity. There also seems to be a general tendency for obesity to run in some families, though the reason for this is not well understood. • Metabolic disorder Metabolism refers to how your body gets energy from food. Changes in metabolism from a disorder, such as thyroid disorder, can lead to weight gain. • Psychological factors Most peoples eating habits are affected by their environment (i.e., food choices and lifestyle habits). Some people eat for comfort or in times of grief or stress, often leadi
