Obesity means having a body mass index higher than 30, which essentially means that the body is about 30 percent fat. Being obese can cause a slew of health conditions over time such as heart disease, diabetes and even certain cancers. Obesity can be caused by a variety of factors that sometimes work together to cause a person to gain or maintain a high amount of body fat. These include heredity, medical conditions, inactivity and poor diet.
Heredity
Genetics may play a part in some people's obesity. According to PubMed, genetics help determine how a person responds to factors such as diet and exercise. In addition, children with parents who are heavy may pick up on their eating and exercise habits, further exacerbating the problem. While heredity may make it more difficult for someone to lose weight or maintain physical fitness, following a healthy diet and exercise regimen can reduce these effects.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can cause a person to gain weight or have difficulty losing weight. Most women gain weight during pregnancy, and many have a difficult time losing the weight after pregnancy. According to MayoClinic.com, medical conditions such as Cushing's syndrome and polycystic ovarian syndrome may cause or worsen obesity. In addition, conditions that make it difficult for a person to be physically active such as arthritis, fibromyalgia or depression may exacerbate obesity by limiting physical activity.
Inactivity
Many people lead fairly sedentary lifestyles. Desk jobs and inactive leisure activities such as watching television contribute to the sedentary habits of many adults. A person with a sedentary lifestyle does not burn the calories that she would if she exercised, and her resting metabolism is slower throughout the day as well. This makes it much easier to consume more calories than she burns and gain weight.
Poor Diet
Numerous poor diet habits can contribute to weight gain and obesity. Opting for fast food or foods that are high in calories, refined sugars and bad fats leads to weight gain and low energy. Sugary soft drinks that contain empty calories also contribute to weight gain. In addition, skipping breakfast, which slows body metabolism and decreases energy, can exacerbate the problem. Finally, many people struggle with portion control and eat meals that are much larger than necessary, which increases calorie intake and weight gain.
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