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)

## Contents

* 1 Psychological factors
* 2 Genetics generally plays a small role
* 3 Medical causes of obesity
* 4 Internet and computer usage
* 5 Socioeconomic factors
* 5.1 Cultural factors
* 5.2 Geography and obesity
* 6 Religious background
* 7 Factors leading to a more sedentary lifestyle
* 7.1 Excessive internet usage
* 8 See also
* 9 References

## 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:

“  |  ...it’s important to remember that overall, the contribution of genes to obesity risk is small, while the contribution of our toxic food and activity environment is huge. As one scientist wrote, “Genes may co-determine who becomes obese, but our environment determines how many become obese.” That’s why obesity prevention efforts must focus on changing our environment to make healthy choices easier choices, for all.[7] |  ”

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## 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]

1. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obesity/DS00314/DSECTION=causes
2. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obesity/DS00314/DSECTION=causes
3. ↑
* Causes of obesity \- Mayo Clinic
* How much exercise is needed to get fit and lose weight
* Genes Are Not Destiny \- Harvard University School of Public health
* The 6 Weight-Loss Tips That Science Actually Knows Work \- Forbes, April 9, 2013
* Long-term weight loss maintenance, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2005 July; 82(1 Suppl):222S-225S.
* Strength Training For Weight Loss Success by Deborah L. Mullen, CSCS
* Weight loss strategies for success \- Mayo Clinic
4. ↑
* Personality traits and eating behavior in the obese: poor self-control in emotional and external eating but personality assets in restrained eating
* Eating styles, self-control and obesity indicators. The moderating role of obesity status and dieting history on restrained eating
* Wellspring Camps - Obesity research
5. ↑ [1]
* [2]
* [3]
6. ↑ Obesity - Genes are not destiny
7. ↑ Obesity - Genes are not destiny
8. ↑ Medical causes of obesity, WebMD
9. ↑ http://www.jmir.org/2009/3/e28/
10. ↑ http://www.jmir.org/2009/3/e28/
11. ↑ Religion, Self-Regulation, and Self-Control: Associations, Explanations, and Implications
12. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19210054
13. ↑ Religion Replenishes Self-Control, Psychological Science, June 2012 vol. 23 no. 6 635-642, Kevin Rounding, Albert Lee, Jill A. Jacobson and Li-Jun Ji at Queen’s University
14. ↑ Study finds religion helps us gain self-control
15. ↑ Religious involvement and mortality: a meta-analytic review. McCullough ME, Hoyt WT, Larson DB, Koenig HG, Thoresen C., Health Psychol. 2000 May;19(3):211-22.
16. ↑ The role of spirituality in health care, roc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2001 October; 14(4): 352–357.
17. ↑ https://www.gallup.com/poll/145379/Religious-Americans-Lead-Healthier-Lives.aspx
18. ↑ http://www.jmir.org/2009/3/e28/
19. ↑ http://www.jmir.org/2009/3/e28/