Causes of Obesity
“No simplistic answers about the causes of obesity exist. Weight gain and loss depends on a number of factors.” These Factors include genes and heredity, environmental causes, psychological factors, physical causes, and medications to name a few.
Obesity Statistics
The latest obesity statistics, according to Wellness International Network Ltd are as follows: 58 Million Overweight; 40 Million Obese; 3 Million morbidly Obese, Eight out of 10 over 25’s Overweight, 78% of American’s not meeting basic activity level recommendations, 25% completely Sedentary, 76% increase in Type II diabetes in adults 30-40 yrs old since 1990.
Monitoring Calories is the Best Control
“Obesity results when there is an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure.” Age, gender, and a person’s activity level are key factors in establishing an individual’s propensity to gain weight.
The good news is, regardless of the cause(s) — including any uncontrollable contributing factors — monitoring calorie intake and increasing activity levels is an effective way for almost anyone to reach and maintain a healthier weight.
More useful statistics from the Wellness International Network Ltd include:
Obesity Related Diseases
- 80% of type II diabetes related to obesity
- 70% of cardiovascular disease related to obesity
- 42% breast and colon cancer diagnosed among obese individuals
- 30% of gall bladder surgery related to obesity
- 26% of obese people having high blood pressure
Childhood Obesity Running Out of Control
- 4% overweight 1982 | 16% overweight 1994
- 25% of all white children overweight 2001
- 33% african american and hispanic children overweight 2001
- Hospital costs associated with childhood obesity rising from $35 Million (1979) to $127 Million (1999)
Childhood Metabolic and Heart Risks
- New study suggests one in four overweight children is already showing early signs of type II diabetes (impaired glucose intolerance)
- 60% already have one risk factor for heart disease
- Surge in childhood diabetes
- Between 8% – 45% of newly diagnosed cases of childhood diabetes are type II, associated with obesity
- Whereas 4% of childhood diabetes was type II in 1990, that number has risen to approximately 20%
- Depending on the age group (Type II most frequent 10-19 group) and the racial/ethnic mix of group stated
- Of children diagnosed with Type II diabetes, 85% are obese
The Take-Away
Regardless of the causes of obesity in any person or group, it should be taken seriously and the main way to combat obesity is through attention to the ratio of calories consumed versus energy spent.
Sources Include
http://www.obesityfocused.com/articles/about-obesity/causes-of-obesity.php
http://www.weight.com/causes.asp
http://weightloss.about.com/od/obesityhealth/a/blobcause.htm