08/24/2020
Last week we established . Now let's talk about its causes, because it is not always simply an excess of calories and/or a lack of movement. Personally we think lack of education is also a cause, which is why we strive to provide reliable health info.
The following info is summarized from "Let's talk about the causes of obesity" http://ow.ly/ZElf50B7yMZ
1) Excess Calories. Notable reasons for our increased intake: snacking (food in addition to meals), take out food (high fat, high sugar), alcohol consumption.
2) Empty Calories. The type of food we eat matters beyond calories. "Ultra-processed foods" might be especially to blame (chips, ice cream, white bread, candy, cake). These foods are created using fat, salt, etc to make our brain want more & more. They're also void of any nutrients so the body doesn't recognize it as real food and therefore doesn't realize its full, causing hyperphagia.
3) Genetics. Evidence sugests contribute to 40 - 70% of obesity cases. Over 200 genes are strongly associated with obesity. This does not necessarily mean you are destined for , but it increases the likelihood.
4) Obesogenic Environments. Social, economic, cultural & surroundings. Exs: huge portion sizes, targeted marketing & socioeconomic factors (ex Black and Latinx communities tend to have less acess to healthy food).
5) Medications. Corticosteroids, SSRIs, anti-depressants, MAOIs, antipsychotics, hormonal birth control, insomnia meds, high BP meds, anti-seizure & epilepsy meds & even certain Type II diabetes meds are linked to weight gain or obesity.
6) . Chronic stress increases cortisol, promoting fat accumulation. Cortisol is closely linked with excess weight.
7) Poor . Ghrelin (a hunger-sginalling hormone) is increased with fatigue. Plus, if you're up later you have more time to eat!
These factors do not exist in isolation. The interplay makes complex.
