Causes of Obesity That May Surprise You

People tend to think that the cause of obesity is simple: eating too much and not exercising enough. And while that is partially true, the reality is far more complex. There are a multitude of factors, from personal choices to socioeconomic status, that can contribute to your likelihood of being overweight or obese. A thorough understanding of which of these factors are affecting your weight will help you and your surgical team design an effective diet and exercise plan post-bariatric surgery.  

Genetic Factors Contributing to Obesity

Your genes determine how much body fat you store and where you store it, as well as the speed of your metabolism and your body’s appetite regulation. In addition, a child born to overweight or obese parent has a higher change of struggling with their weight—this is due to the inherited genetic factors, as well as learned behavioral and eating habits.

Socioeconomic and Environmental Factors Contributing to Obesity 

People who live in low-income areas may not have access to public gyms or may not be able to afford a membership. These areas tend to have fewer opportunities for outdoor exercise, like bike or walking trails. People in these communities also may not have access to affordable, healthy food, whether it’s due to a lack of options or lack of transportation—private or public. These areas, sometimes called food deserts, often contain a variety of fast-food stops that are affordable for the average income but unhealthy, leading to weight gain.

Health Factors Contributing to Obesity 

There are some health conditions that can contribute to your likelihood of obesity. For example, an underactive thyroid can decrease metabolism speed, and Cushing’s syndrome, a rare disorder, causes excess production of cortisol, which can lead to fat accumulation. Joint problems, like arthritis, may prevent people from getting adequate exercise due to pain. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal imbalance that can cause weight gain, and some mental health conditions, like depression, can cause people to overeat for emotional reasons.

In addition, some medications, like those used to treat mental illness, diabetes, and epilepsy, can raise the chances of developing obesity.

Personal Choices Contributing to Obesity 

While all the above factors are out of your control, there are still plenty of ways that your personal exercise and eating habits can affect your weight. Obviously, a high-calorie, high-sugar, or high-fat diet, especially when paired with a sedentary lifestyle, can lead to obesity. Stress eating or bored eating can result in weight gain, as can neglecting the importance of sleep.  

It’s clear that obesity is a complex disease. While partially true, simplifying the problem to “too many calories and not enough exercise” is reductive and ignores the various other elements that play into an individual’s likelihood of being overweight or obese. At Wellstar, our bariatric surgery program takes all the factors into consideration as we help our patients navigate their weight-loss journeys. If you’re ready to take control of your weight, we’re ready to help—contact the Wellstar office today.