Causes Of Obesity

Two of the major risk factors for becoming obese according to the Mayo Clinic are poor dietary choices and inactivity.^[1] (photo obtained from Flickr, see license agreement)

Two of the major risk factors for becoming obese according to the Mayo Clinic are poor dietary choices and inactivity.^[2] In the United States, most individuals are overweight due to their dietary and exercise habits.^[3]

Less politically correct, but candid, causes of obesity are:

• beer (adds more than 10 pounds to the average adult American per year)
• cannabis (causes food cravings)
• refusal to read the Bible (which strengthens the will power to eat less)

Psychological factors[edit]

Obesity is positively associated with impulsiveness, lower self-discipline and neuroticism.^[4] In addition, many people overeat in response to negative emotions such as depression, anger, anxiety and boredom.^[5]

Genetics generally plays a small role[edit]

Although many people attempt to excuse away their overweight condition on their genetic makeup rather than exercise self-discipline when it comes to their diet and exercise habits, according to the Harvard University School of Public Health, most people can maintain a healthy weight through the establishment of healthy habits and maintaining an environment conducive to good health (emptying their refrigerator and cupboards of junk foods, etc.).^[6]

The Harvard University School of Public Health declares in their article Genes are not destiny:

Medical causes of obesity[edit]

Although obesity is usually the result of overeating and lack of exercise, in a small percentage of cases excess weight gain is a symptom of a disease such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's syndrome.^[8]

Internet and computer usage[edit]

In 2009, an Australian university study was done concerning the association between leisure time internet and computer use with being overweight and/or obese and also sedentary.^[9] The study concluded: "These findings suggest that, apart from nutritional and physical activity interventions, it may also be necessary to decrease time spent in sedentary behaviors, such as leisure-time Internet and computer use, in order to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity."^[10]

Socioeconomic factors[edit]

Below are some articles/resources on socioeconomic factors and obesity:

• Effects of Socioeconomic Factors on Obesity Rates in Four Southern States and Colorado
• For Women in the U.S., Obesity Links to Socioeconomic Status and Poor Diet
• Relationship Between Poverty and Overweight or Obesity
• Obesity statistics reveal glaring health disparities among minorities
• U.S. Office of Minority Health - Obesity and African Americans

Cultural factors[edit]

Below are some articles related to obesity and culture:

• Cultural factors implicated in obesity, says study
• Culture matters in the obesity debate - LA Times
• Influence of Race, Ethnicity, and Culture on Childhood Obesity: Implications for Prevention and Treatment

Geography and obesity[edit]

Due to socioeconomic/cultural factors, some regions have higher obesity rates than others. Below are some articles relating to this matter:

• What makes a state fat or thin? - Discovery.com
• Obesity rising; Southern states have highest rates - CNN

Religious background[edit]

See also: Atheism and obesity and Sports performance: Religious faith vs. atheism

In the journal article Religion, self-regulation, and self-control: Associations, explanations, and implications, psychologists McCullough and Willoughby theorize that many of the positive links of religiousness with health and social behavior may be caused by religion's beneficial influences on self-control/self-regulation.^[11][12] Furthermore, a 2012 Queen's University study published in Psychological Science found that religion replenishes self-control.^[13][14] Also, numerous studies indicate that those who engage in regular spiritual practices have lower mortality rates.^[15][16]

According to the Gallup Inc., "Very religious Americans are more likely to practice healthy behaviors than those who are moderately religious or nonreligious."^[17]

For more information please see: Atheism and obesity and Sports performance: Religious faith vs. atheism

Factors leading to a more sedentary lifestyle[edit]

Excessive internet usage[edit]

In 2009, an Australian university study was done concerning the association between leisure time internet and computer use with being overweight and/or obese and also sedentary.^[18] The study concluded: "These findings suggest that, apart from nutritional and physical activity interventions, it may also be necessary to decrease time spent in sedentary behaviors, such as leisure-time Internet and computer use, in order to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity."^[19]

See also[edit]

• Bariatric science

References[edit]