Obesity is a complex disease that is not caused by one single issue. Many things factor into the equation that leads an individual to gain weight to the point of threatening their health, such as the environment they grew up in, underlying medical conditions that prevent them from maintaining a healthy weight, or sedentary lifestyles. Whichever the risk factors may be, obesity has become a global problem that affects millions of people of varying ages.
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Obesity affects everyone around the world with data suggesting that “the number of obese people in the world has tripled since 1975 to roughly 30% of the total population”[1], and this number continues to rise. Just as there are many causes for obesity, there are also many risk factors that may arise if a person is battling with extra weight. This disorder is one of the leading causes of death because it dramatically decreases a person’s life expectancy.
Obesity puts people at higher risk for several diseases or illnesses, such as: diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, strokes, and high blood pressure.
People of all ages, in both Mexico and the United States, are facing an obesity epidemic and subsequent risk factors, which helps explain the rise in popularity of bariatric surgery. Many people from all over the country come to our Tijuana clinic to learn more on how to reduce obesity risk factors and lead the life they want. At LIMARP®, they’re attended by a top-notch team of doctors led by Dr. Liza María Pompa González, and together they ensure that whoever walks through our doors has a successful journey toward recovery and a healthier lifestyle.
While weight loss surgery is helpful, knowing the risk factors that contribute to obesity can help you avoid the need for surgery.
For this article, we’ll go over some of the most common risk factors that cause or contribute to obesity and morbid obesity.
As always, we’d like to remind you that the information presented in this article regarding risk factors for obesity is general and that each case is different. If you identify with any of the following factors, make sure to contact your doctor as soon as possible to get proper care and assistance.
Genetics and Family History
The first of many obesity risk factors we’d like to explore has to do with genetics and family history. Your family and the environment you grew up in can determine a lot about your values and personality, it can even affect your body mass. Genetics is a major component of obesity. If your parents were overweight or obese, you are more likely to be overweight or obese as well.
When it comes to family dynamics, genetics can also come into play, but any weight irregularities are primarily due to lifestyle choices, like their diet or level of physical activity. Many parents who are looking to lose weight tend to struggle, not because of lack of motivation, but because of limited time. A study found that people who have support within their social network, meaning that they can count on others to look after their children or home responsibilities, are more likely to reach their weight goals[2], thus reducing obesity risk factors.
Poor Diet
A non-balanced diet is another example of obesity risk factors. Processed foods, junk food, unnecessary sugar, and excessive calorie consumption are all common problems people face in their daily diet. These issues can contribute to many obesity risk factors. Try to avoid consuming excessive sugar and processed foods. Instead, try to eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, with a focus on healthy and nourishing whole foods. Keep in mind that any extreme change to your diet must be approved and designed by a licensed nutritionist, especially if you’re recovering from bariatric surgery.
A healthy, well-balanced diet is something that everyone should have access to in order to lead the best lifestyle possible. Whole foods, such as fruit and vegetables, lean protein, grains, and legumes are ideal components for a person’s day-to-day meals; not only do they help maintain a healthy weight, but following a clean diet can reduce the risk of developing certain illnesses, as well as other factors that risk obesity.
Sedentary Lifestyle
If you aren’t exercising regularly or staying active, you aren’t burning extra calories. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle or have a job that keeps you seated and inactive for long stretches of time, try to incorporate more activity into your life. Go for more walks during the week and try to workout a few times as well. Overtime, this can make a major difference for your overall wellness by reducing this obesity risk factor.
It’s no secret that exercise has proven to show positive effects on a person’s overall health, both physically and mentally, regardless of their current weight or fitness goals. These benefits can be achieved through different types of exercise routines, such as weight training, cardio workouts, resistance training, or pilates, and while the results may vary according to the time and difficulty of each exercise, leading an active lifestyle can also reduce the risk of developing certain diseases.
Medical Conditions
Other obesity risk factors include medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, clinical depression, Prader-Willi syndrome, Cushing syndrome, and arthritis. Addressing the medical condition itself can help a person lose weight and improve their general wellness.
Medication Side Effects
All medications have some side effects and weight gain may be one of them, making them an obesity risk factor. The following types of drugs are often linked to weight gain among users:
- Antidepressants
- Anti-seizure medications
- Antipsychotic medications
- Beta blockers
- Diabetes medications
- Steroids
Changes with Age
As you grow older, your metabolism slows down, making it much harder for you to lose weight. This is another obesity risk factor because the loss of muscle mass can lead to issues with weight management as you grow older. That said, age can be a contributing factor to problems with natural weight loss.
Poor Sleeping Habits
A full night’s sleep does wonders for your health and wellness. If you are not getting enough sleep, it can have a negative impact on you and it becomes an obesity risk factor. People who don’t get enough sleep may experience cravings for fattening foods as their body tries to compensate for a lack of rest.
Socioeconomic Factors
We’d be remiss if we didn’t consider the socioeconomic factors that contribute to obesity. Studies have found that people who grow up or live in low-income areas are more likely to suffer from obesity. This may be linked to a lack of access to healthy eating options, as well as a lack of information on healthier diet options and proper exercise.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you want to learn more about obesity risk factors, schedule an appointment with one of our doctors. We can help determine the right treatment for you. Contact us online anytime or give us a call at (619) 373-0229.
References
- [1] “Most Obese Countries 2022”. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/most-obese-countries. (Accessed February 4, 2023).
- [2] Winston GJ, Phillips EG, Wethington E, Devine C, Wells M, Peterson JC, Hippolyte J, Ramos R, Martinez G, Eldridge J, Charlson M. Social network characteristics associated with weight loss among black and hispanic adults. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2015 Aug;23(8):1570-6. doi: 10.1002/oby.21155. Epub 2015 Jul 14. PMID: 26179578; PMCID: PMC4669882.