Obesity is a common, serious and costly disease.  It impacts on virtually all aspect of man’s health and well-being —  from reducing life span and contributing to chronic conditions (such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorder) to interfering with sexual function, breathing, mood, and social interactions.

It was first recognized as a disease way back in 1948 when the World Health Organization (WHO) listed it on the International Classification of Diseases. By 1997, it has become so prevalent that it was declared an epidemic – a critical concern for public health.

In the United States, obesity affects 100.1 million adults (41.9 percent of the population), 14.7 million children (19.7 per cent) and accounts for approximately $147 billion in annual health care costs.  The WHO estimates that worldwide, as of 2023,  more than one billion people will be obese – 650 million adults, 340 million adolescents, and 39 million children.

Similarly, more than half of the global population will be obese by 2035 without significant action, according to the World Obesity Federation.

The cost to society of the health conditions linked to obesity is high: more than $4 trillion annually by 2035 or 3 percent of the global GDP.

Paradoxically, alongside the problem of obesity exists the burden of malnutrition – with underweight and obese children living in the same communities or even in the same households. 

Both problems have common roots – a dearth of nutritious food.  Some children have too little to eat; others  are fed with too many empty calories from high fat, salt and sugar.  Store shelves everywhere,  especially in affluent countries, overflow with junk snacks.

How much we weigh is the result of many factors: diet and other lifestyle factors (such as physical activity and sleep), prenatal, and early life influences, environment, medical conditions, genetics, and others.

Diet and lifestyle factors

There are many lifestyle factors associated with obesity.  Some of the most common are:

• Eating large amounts of processed or fast foods – those with high fat and sugar  content.
• Drinking too much alcohol which, of course,  contains a large amount of calories.
• Eating out a lot.  Unregulated, restaurant fare tends to be higher in fat and sugar than food cooked at home.
• Eating larger portions than what you need.
• Drinking too much sugary drinks including soda and fruit juice.
• Comfort eating – problematic people, such as the depressed and those with low self-esteem, may seek comfort from food.

Social changes have also made it more difficult to maintain a healthy diet. High-calorie food has become more accessible and cheaper.  Often well advertised and promoted, such food can make  a strong impression on the gullible.

A sedentary lifestyle is another important factor linked to overweight.  Many people work on light desk jobs that preclude more effortful activity.  They also rely on their cars for transport rather than walking or cycling.

Gadgets or too much reliance on them for work and entertainment is another culprit. Rather than exercise regularly, far too many people prefer to watch TV, browse the internet or play computer games.

If we are not active enough, we do not use the energy we get from food.  The extra energy is  then stored as fat.

(READ MORE: How to Inspire a Love of Movement at an Early Age).

Medical reasons

In some cases, underlying medical conditions may lead to weight gain. 

For example: hyperthyroidism where our thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones and cushing’s syndrome which causes the over-production of steroid hormones.

If such conditions are not properly diagnosed and treated, they may pose a barrier to weight loss.

Certain medications, including some steroids, drugs for epilepsy and diabetes, and medicine for schizophrenia have the side effect of weight gain.

Weight gain can also be a side effect of quitting smoking.

Lastly:

Genetics

There are genes associated with obesity and overweight. These can affect how bodies change food into energy and store fat in some people.  Genes can also influence lifestyle choices.

There are, as well, rare genetic conditions, such as prader-willi syndrome that can cause obesity.

Certain genetic traits inherited from our ancestors such as having a large appetite make losing weight difficult, although not impossible.

So, do we blame genetics or lifestyle choices for the obesity epidemic?

Clearly, we are still in control of much of the factors affecting our lives. As creatures of free will, we have the power to study our options, discriminate, and finally make informed choices that can make or break us.

True,  as previously said, there are genetic factors that make losing weight difficult.  But “difficult” does not necessarily equate to “impossible.”  A strong resolve and will power can  always find a way to hurdle whatever impediments are  keeping us from going after our health goals.

References:

Obesity Statistics in 2023. http://www.forbes.com

More than half.  http://time.com

World Obesity Federation, https://www.worldobesity.org

Obesity: Causes. http://www.nhs.uk

Genes are not destiny. http://www.harvard.edu

Overweight and Obesity: causes and  risk factors. www.nhlbi.nih.gov

Obesity: Symptoms and Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org