One of the most significant contributors to obesity is genetics. Your genes can influence your susceptibility to weight gain by affecting factors like metabolism, fat storage, and how the body regulates hunger and feeling full. In fact, there are at least 15 genes that have been linked to obesity.
Your genetics don’t guarantee you will develop obesity but can make it more difficult to lose weight or maintain weight loss, even with lifestyle changes. This genetic component highlights the importance of considering medical intervention and underscores why obesity is not merely a matter of willpower or discipline.
Sleep
In today’s fast-paced society, lack of sleep is common and often overlooked as a contributor to obesity. However, poor sleep is a risk factor in weight gain. Experts recommend you get at least seven hours of sleep at night, which may seem unattainable for some.
However, if you don’t get enough sleep, the body can experience hormonal imbalances. Sleep-deprived individuals tend to have higher levels of the hormone that stimulate hunger and lower levels of the hormone that signals fullness. This can lead to increased appetite and cravings for unhealthy foods.
Stress
Stress is another powerful factor contributing to obesity. When the body is under stress it releases hormones that control energy and hunger. Chronic stress leads to persistently elevated cortisol levels, which can stimulate appetite, particularly for unhealthy foods. Over time, this can result in weight gain, creating a cycle that can be hard to break without targeted intervention.
Medications and Other Health Conditions
Certain medications and health conditions can also contribute to obesity.
The following medications may cause but do not guarantee weight gain:
- Certain antidepressants
- Certain antipsychotics
- Prolonged steroid use
- Some forms of birth control
