Fat, no doubt, is important to store energy and insulate the body. Whatever calories you consume, are used up in different works you do. But if you consume more than you use, it will stored in your body as fat. Thus, result is weight gain. Though, human body can manage well with some extra weight, but beyond a certain limit, body fat can prove risky for the health. Although, eating much and working less, becomes a fantastic combination to invite obesity but certain other factors are also involved in contributing extra calories.
The potential risk factors but ignored as causes of obesity, include;
Irregular Diet : Fast foods, soft drinks, candies & chocolates have high sugar & calories. Regular consumption of these foods and beverages contributes to excessive weight gain.
Inactivity : Even if someone is not eating much, but remains inactive, has a sheer chance of gaining weight as the calories or energy is not burnt and hence get stored in body in form of fat.
Psychological factors : People suffering from depression, stress or boredom get a habit of overeating to cope with problems. This causes unnecessary consumption of calories and thus, weight gain.
Pregnancy : A pregnant woman gains considerable weight that is necessary too. But sometimes, it becomes tough to lose weight after the delivery, which leads to obesity in women.
Medications : Some antidepressants, like corticosteroids and tricyclic antidepressants can cause weight gain. Few other medications, including high blood pressure and antipsychotic drugs cal also contribute to weight gain.
Genetics : If you have obese parents, then you are more likely to be obese. Your body fat may be in control of your genes but it is not at all guaranteed that you‘ll be obese.
Age : When old age approaches, it makes you less active. Additionally, subsequent decrease in amount of muscle in your body occurs, which leads to reduced metabolism. All these changes also reduce calorie needs. So, if you are not lessening your caloric intake as you age, you have fair chances of gaining weight.
Cigarette smoking : Weight gain has been noticed in smokers when they quit smoking. Reasons may support Nicotine that raised the rate of metabolism in the body. When smokers stop, they burn fewer calories. As smoking also affects taste, food tastes and smells better after quitting smoking. Nonetheless, cigarette smoking is believed to be a greater threat to health than is extra weight.
Medical problems : Though it's not common, but some medical problems and hormonal imbalances can also be a reason of obesity. These medical causes include low thyroid function, excess production of hormones by the adrenal glands.
Alcohol : Regular intake of alcohol can contribute to obesity as a single regular beer contains not less than 150 calories. Moreover, excessive alcohol intake can stimulate your appetite and make you less likely to control portion sizes.
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