Obesity is a medical condition that essential means someone carries excessive fat on their body, which could put the individual’s health at risk. Various conditions can develop as a direct result of obesity. To date, over one billion people are overweight, at least a third of whom are obese. Worryingly, statistics show us that these numbers will continue to rise. There are now numerous organizations that are trying to fight this pandemic, including the American Obesity Association. They are coming up with new strategies to address the problem, particularly through outreach work and education. Prevention is always better than cure and a strong focus is now on preventing the next generation from becoming obese. Additionally, new treatment methods for those who are already obese are being developed as well. It has also been found that people who have a greater understanding of the causes of obesity are more likely to either avoid it altogether or to beat it.

Poor Eating Habits

As a human, you have to eat if you want your body to work properly. However, if you were to eat too much, and particularly too much fat, sugar and carbohydrate, you will feed your body more nutrients than it needs. Rather than ridding itself of these substances, the body actually stores them, turning them into fat. Carbohydrates and fats are the main causational factors of obesity, and they can be found in products that many people would class as reasonably healthy (steak, milk, potatoes, pasta, rice, etc).

Additionally, it isn’t just about what you eat, but about when and how you eat it as well. A lot of people skip breakfast, leading them to overeat. Most people also don’t have a real routine when it comes to their food, with people choose to eat solely when they have time. It is widely accepted that three meals a day is all that is needed. However, research has shown that it is actually better to eat five times per day, albeit in smaller portions. This is what the Mediterranean diet is all about as well. Eating five times per day stops the body from having sugar cravings and hunger pangs, meaning you’re less likely to reach for the junk food.

What Causes Obesity?

Obesity has a number of clear causes and those seeking help through bariatric procedures can usually recognize all of them. They are:

• Poor nutritional habits. As described above, eating the wrong things irregularly and eating too many carbohydrates, sugars and fats and not enough vegetables and fruits will lead to obesity.

• Having a sedentary lifestyle. We do almost everything sitting down now, getting minimal movements. This means that all those extra calories we consume end up going nowhere at all. When that happens, the extra energy is turned into fat.

A lot of people will say that their genes or hormones are the culprit of being obese. While it is true that they can play a part, as can medication, psychological problems and environmental factors, the reality is that those who consistently eat a healthy, balanced, regular diet and get enough exercise do not become obese.