What are the primary causes of obesity?

Medically Reviewed by Checkmark Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Sravanthi Sunkaraneni
Just In
What are the main factors contributing to obesity?
The primary causes of obesity are poor lifestyle choices and various medical conditions. Poor lifestyle choices include bad dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle leading to an imbalance between the energy consumed and expended. Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease can also cause obesity. Genetic variations make losing weight difficult in some more than others.

Last Updated on May 5, 2023 by Team THIP

Obesity is a significant health condition. It can result in several severe and potentially life-threatening diseases. These ailments include type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, certain types of cancer, and stroke. Additionally, beyond the physical health issues, obesity can have adverse effects on an individual’s quality of life. This can lead to psychological problems such as depression and low self-esteem. This article will explore the causes of obesity and examine the medical conditions that are commonly associated with the condition.

What causes obesity?

Obesity is a complex condition and is not solely caused by individual factors. Rather, it is the result of a complex interplay between genetic, environmental, and behavioural factors. Here are some common causes of obesity:

  1. Poor diet: Eating a diet high in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats can contribute to weight gain and obesity. Unhealthy food choices that lead to obesity could be eating fast food high in fat, drinking too much alcohol, overeating, etc. If you do not exercise enough, you do not use the energy provided by the food you eat. The extra kilojoules are stored in the body as fat which leads to obesity.
  2. Lack of physical activity: Sedentary lifestyles, characterised by spending a lot of time sitting or engaging in low levels of physical activity, can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
  3. Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to obesity, which can make it harder for them to maintain a healthy weight.
  4. Environmental factors: Environmental factors, such as easy access to unhealthy foods and limited opportunities for physical activity, can contribute to obesity.
  5. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, and polycystic ovary syndrome, can increase the risk of becoming overweight or obese.
  6. Medications: Some medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and steroids, can cause weight gain as a side effect.
  7. Psychological factors: Emotional eating, stress, and other psychological disorders can contribute to overeating and weight gain.

What are the medical conditions that cause obesity?

Certain medical conditions and genetic factors that can increase the risk of obesity include:

  1. Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can cause a person’s metabolism to slow down, leading to weight gain and difficulty losing weight.
  2. Cushing’s syndrome: A hormonal disorder that causes the body to produce too much cortisol, which can lead to weight gain, particularly in the abdomen and face.
  3. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder that affects women and can cause weight gain, insulin resistance, and difficulty losing weight.
  4. Prader-Willi syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that can cause excessive hunger and overeating, leading to obesity.

While these conditions can increase the risk of becoming overweight or obese, lifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of physical activity are the primary causes of obesity in most people. Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent or manage obesity, regardless of any underlying medical conditions.

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

History
First published on:

More in

Questions
Fact Check
Interviews
Stories
Videos
What are the main factors contributing to obesity?
The primary causes of obesity are poor lifestyle choices and various medical conditions. Poor lifestyle choices include bad dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle leading to an imbalance between the energy consumed and expended. Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease can also cause obesity. Genetic variations make losing weight difficult in some more than others.

Last Updated on May 5, 2023 by Team THIP

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

What are the main factors contributing to obesity?
The primary causes of obesity are poor lifestyle choices and various medical conditions. Poor lifestyle choices include bad dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle leading to an imbalance between the energy consumed and expended. Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease can also cause obesity. Genetic variations make losing weight difficult in some more than others.

Last Updated on May 5, 2023 by Team THIP

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

What are the main factors contributing to obesity?
The primary causes of obesity are poor lifestyle choices and various medical conditions. Poor lifestyle choices include bad dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle leading to an imbalance between the energy consumed and expended. Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease can also cause obesity. Genetic variations make losing weight difficult in some more than others.

Last Updated on May 5, 2023 by Team THIP

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

What are the main factors contributing to obesity?
The primary causes of obesity are poor lifestyle choices and various medical conditions. Poor lifestyle choices include bad dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle leading to an imbalance between the energy consumed and expended. Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease can also cause obesity. Genetic variations make losing weight difficult in some more than others.

Last Updated on May 5, 2023 by Team THIP

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

What are the main factors contributing to obesity?
The primary causes of obesity are poor lifestyle choices and various medical conditions. Poor lifestyle choices include bad dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle leading to an imbalance between the energy consumed and expended. Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease can also cause obesity. Genetic variations make losing weight difficult in some more than others.

Last Updated on May 5, 2023 by Team THIP

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

More in

Questions
Fact Check
Interviews
Stories
Videos
What are the main factors contributing to obesity?
The primary causes of obesity are poor lifestyle choices and various medical conditions. Poor lifestyle choices include bad dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle leading to an imbalance between the energy consumed and expended. Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease can also cause obesity. Genetic variations make losing weight difficult in some more than others.

Last Updated on May 5, 2023 by Team THIP

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

What are the main factors contributing to obesity?
The primary causes of obesity are poor lifestyle choices and various medical conditions. Poor lifestyle choices include bad dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle leading to an imbalance between the energy consumed and expended. Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease can also cause obesity. Genetic variations make losing weight difficult in some more than others.

Last Updated on May 5, 2023 by Team THIP

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

What are the main factors contributing to obesity?
The primary causes of obesity are poor lifestyle choices and various medical conditions. Poor lifestyle choices include bad dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle leading to an imbalance between the energy consumed and expended. Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease can also cause obesity. Genetic variations make losing weight difficult in some more than others.

Last Updated on May 5, 2023 by Team THIP

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

What are the main factors contributing to obesity?
The primary causes of obesity are poor lifestyle choices and various medical conditions. Poor lifestyle choices include bad dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle leading to an imbalance between the energy consumed and expended. Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease can also cause obesity. Genetic variations make losing weight difficult in some more than others.

Last Updated on May 5, 2023 by Team THIP

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

What are the main factors contributing to obesity?
The primary causes of obesity are poor lifestyle choices and various medical conditions. Poor lifestyle choices include bad dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle leading to an imbalance between the energy consumed and expended. Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease can also cause obesity. Genetic variations make losing weight difficult in some more than others.

Last Updated on May 5, 2023 by Team THIP

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

- Advertisement -spot_img
Dr. Shikha Shiromani
Dr. Shikha Shiromani
A dental surgeon by education and medical writer by profession, Shikha is passionate to bring her knowledge and experience in busting the myths around medicine and health. At THIP, she is involved in researching, fact-checking and answering all kinds of questions related to health.
Read More