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Losing weight and keeping it off is often seen as a question of “energy in and energy out” – how much you eat and how much you move. But science has proven that there are many causes of obesity, some of which are beyond your awareness or control.
Obesity is a chronic disease. And just like many other chronic diseases, it develops over time from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
But what is it that makes people gain weight? Why do some people develop obesity? There isn’t just one specific thing.
The causes of obesity are complicated and vary from person to person. These include:
Genetics: Tiny genetic variations can make you more likely to carry weight and develop obesity.
Hormones: The balance of hormones in your body can affect your appetite and food choices, as well as how much energy you use.
Stress: High stress levels can make you overeat and gain weight.
Sleep: How much and how well you sleep can affect your hormones, which can make you eat more food.
Medications: Some medicines can increase your appetite or affect your metabolism so that you gain weight.
Environment and socioeconomic status: Where you live and your access to different kinds of food are related to developing obesity.
There are so many reasons for obesity. And once a person has developed obesity, it’s not easy to manage weight and keep it off. Because of this, it can be hard to find the right way to treat or manage obesity.
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Much more than in-and-out: Complex reasons for obesity
Although the causes of obesity are complex, there are people who think that obesity is only a matter of lifestyle. It’s a common belief that if a person only ate the right food and exercised in the right way, they wouldn’t gain weight or develop obesity.
On some level, it is true. Losing weight does depend on the balance between how much energy you have (from the type and amount of food you eat) and how much energy you use (by exercising or carrying out normal body functions like breathing). But, this dramatically simplifies obesity. It’s also hurtful to people who are affected by obesity. Eating less and moving more isn’t always enough to manage weight and prevent you from developing obesity.
Anyone who’s also tried to manage weight without much success knows it far too well. You can try to be consistent and do all the right things to manage obesity and still struggle. Losing weight is hard. Keeping the pounds off after you lose weight is even harder.
According to the experts: Causes of obesity and more
Thankfully, the science shows that obesity is a manageable disease with many causes. More and more healthcare professionals recognise that obesity is a disease. At the same time, they’re working to remove the stigma associated with obesity to make sure that people living with obesity get the help they need.
Understanding the causes of obesity is the first step
By considering all of the causes of obesity and approaching obesity similar to other diseases, healthcare professionals can help you transition to a healthier lifestyle and prevent complications from obesity.
To manage obesity in the best way, the first step is to identify which causes play a role. Since the causes of obesity vary from person to person, the approach should too. Each person will need to manage obesity and address the roadblocks of losing weight in a different way.
That’s where we come in. If you have questions about managing weight with medical guidance, our expert is here to help.
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Disclaimer: This article is curated in partnership with Novo Nordisk. The information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Weight loss medications use should be individualized and should be taken under guidance of a doctor. Please note that Tata 1mg does not endorse any brands and is not responsible for their efficacy.
(The article is written by Dr. Nitika Makhija, Manager, Clinical Health and Content and is reviewed by Dr. Swati Mishra,Director (Clinical Health & Content)
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