Causes And Complications Of Obesity

Causes And Complications Of Obesity



There are numerous causes of obesity. It is a very complex and often chronic disease. Obesity is not the same as being overweight and it is most often not caused by overeating. Studies and research have shown that the most common factor in determining risks of obesity is genetics. People that suffer from morbid obesity often have a family history of weight problems and obesity. However, there are other factors that can increase the risk of obesity and make people more prone to it.

Environmental factors often go hand in hand with genetic factors. If you are already dealing with genetic factors that are leading you towards a life of obesity, the lifestyle and environmental factors that are most common in America can make it nearly impossible to control your weight. Some environmental factors that impact the ability to control weight include fast food chains, living in a suburban area where you have to have a car to get around, and spending long days sitting at a desk. All of these factors can influence metabolism and the best use of fat storage within the body. People that suffer from morbid obesity cannot have anything less than a total environment change in order to be successful and get to a healthy weight.

Metabolism is another factor that figures in to obesity. It used to be a common belief that people could lose weight simply by burning calories and consuming less than what you were burning. It has now been proven that this is not the case for some people. Researchers that are studying obesity have started looking at a new theory that is known as the “set point.” This is like a gauge in the brain that prevents people from gaining or losing weight. If you attempt to bypass this gauge and significantly cut the intake of calories, you brain will then override you and will lower your metabolism and decrease your activity. This will force your body to regain any of the weight that you have lost.

There are many complications that are associated with obesity. Each of these complications can have life threatening, dire consequences to your health. One of the most common problems that occur when a person has tried and failed many diets is depression. They start feeling like they are not good enough and not able to lose the weight. Their self image continues to deteriorate.

Diabetes is another common problem. People that suffer from obesity develop insulin resistance. This leads to diabetes and many other health complications. There are many organs and systems that can be affected by this.

Heartburn and Acid Reflux plague nearly all people suffering from obesity. This can lead to pain and problems. There can be a need for surgery and many other treatments. Prolonged acid reflux can lead to cancer in the throat.

These are just a few of the many complications of obesity. There are many others. The illnesses above are some of the most common and most prevalent. They are almost guaranteed to occur if you suffer from obesity.

BONUS : Celebrity Diets

Guess what? No matter how famous or how beautiful (or handsome) a celebrity might be, his or her body works exactly like yours works. Body weight is determined by calories in versus calories out. Now, the beautiful people also have access to lots of money. They can have liposuction done. They can hire personal trainers and personal dieticians. But their bodies STILL work just exactly like your body works.

Celebrities are often hired by companies that produce weight loss products to hawk their products. You can see these famous faces on the television set in your living room or den most every day and night. Remember this one fact as you watch these commercials: calories in vs. calories out determines body weight. There is NO magic formula.

Granted, weight loss programs like Jenny Craig (advertised by Kirstie Alley) can take the guesswork out of dieting. It can put food choices and portion size choices into the hands of others, and you don't have to think. You don't have to make decisions about what or how much or when you will eat. You just eat the food that is sent to you and nothing else. I guarantee you'll lose weight. I'll also guarantee you that you didn't learn one thing about controlling your weight after the diet is over.

Some celebs even come up with their own diet plans. It's important to note that the purpose of these celeb diet plans is for the celeb to make money, and not for you to lose weight.

Weight control after the diet is over is what really determines the success of the diet. It's almost a blessing if you have 40 or 50 or more pounds to lose if you go on a weight loss diet and learn about caloric values and portion control while you lose the weight. You'll have the information that will help you to keep the weight off even when the diet is over.