What Causes Obesity?
By Madhusudhan Tammisetti
Obesity, at its basic level, occurs when a person regularly consumes more calories than they need. These additional calories are stored as body fat, and the extra weight builds up over time. When your body burns more calories than you eat, you lose weight. This equation may be deceivingly simple since it ignores the many variables that influence what you eat, how your body absorbs all of the energy, and how much you exercise.
Genes May Cause Obesity
Obesity is influenced by heredity, although to a far smaller extent than many people think. Genes may increase the chances of gaining weight in combination with other potential factors, such as poor diet and sedentary lifestyle, rather than being the only cause of obesity. The genetic effects may be mitigated by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Poor Diet
The traditional Western diet -- which consists of big meals rich in refined carbohydrates, red meat, bad fats, and sugary beverages -- is a major contributor to obesity. Whole grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables, which are missing in the Western diet, seem to aid in weight loss and avoid chronic illness.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Exposure to beverage and food advertising may affect what people eat or drink, thus viewing television is a significant risk factor that causes obesity. Physical exercise may keep you from gaining weight, but most people don't get enough of it. Sleep deprivation, another characteristic of the Western way of life, is also being identified as one of the reasons for obesity.
Impact of Society
Personal choices are important when health is concerned. The social and physical environment in which they reside heavily influences people's diet and exercise choices. Unfortunately, this atmosphere has become poisonous to healthy living in the United States and increasingly throughout the world. The inevitable and constant promotion of unhealthy diets and sugary beverages is the cause. There aren't enough safe places to exercise. Junk food is sold in schools, workplaces, and corner stores. When you stack it all up, it becomes difficult for people to make a healthy choice that's critical to a healthy weight and living a quality life.
The causes of obesity have been accepted as part of society in numerous ways. A comprehensive strategy may be required to effectively untangle them, one that equips people with the knowledge and skills to make better choices.
Treatment
Consulting a chiropractor may help you in getting rid of the excess weight. A chiropractor may suggest you make a change in lifestyle and dietary habits. An active lifestyle may improve overall health condition and aid in weight loss.
A walk in the park in the morning or jogging in the neighborhood may immensely help people with obesity. Even simple changes may prove to be beneficial over time.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Edmond, Okla.