Causes
Calories are taken in through food. They are used through physical activity and basic body functions. Obesity occurs when this relationship is not kept in balance. High caloric intake and low usage will cause weight gain. If this happens regularly it will lead to obesity.
Factors that can influence obesity are:
- Genetics
- Biologic factors (eg, amount and activity of certain chemicals in the body)
- Medications (eg, corticosteroids, antidepressants, and antipsychotics)
- Underactive thyroid
- Cushing's disease
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Froehlich's syndrome
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome
Risk Factors
Risk factors include:
- Advancing age
- Quitting smoking
- Working varied shifts
- Decreased activity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Imbalance of excess calories versus decreased activity
- High level of fast food intake
- High alcohol consumption
- Eating foods with a high glycemic index such as refined carbohydrates (eg, instant mashed potatoes, baked white potatoes, instant rice)
- Eating until full and eating quickly * 4
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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