Causes of Obesity

Causes of Obesity

October 31 , 2007

Causes of Obesity

Obesity has become a major issue of utmost significance around the world . It has replaced malnutrition as the world 's top food problem Similar to a new virus without natural enemies , our lifestyle of abundant food and inactivity are forces that push it forward , spreading the problem to all segments of the population . These forces are woven so tightly into our social systems - economics , healthcare , even education - that change seems almost beyond imagination . Despite talks of obesity crisis , obesity is increasing

in all races , ages , income groups , and areas of the world

The growing prevalence of obesity problem has caused so much concern especially for children . Studies have shown that there is an increasing rate of obese children for the past twenty years . This sent a serious message for people to do something about the growing problem of obesity and its complications . It is noted that diseases caused by obesity such as heart disease and diabetes can impair a person 's life . If the prevalence of obesity continues to increase , more people will become physically unhealthy and the nation will also become unhealthy

Obesity brings physical disadvantage to the person concerned . The physical burden of excess weight can affect even the most routine activities . Physical tasks done many times a day become sources of pain and embarrassment . Also , because obesity is a stigmatized condition overweight persons or children , are teased , reminded repeatedly of their bodies , and victimized by discrimination . The discrimination itself will create psychological limitation to a person as the same would make most people feel anxious , depressed , and have negative perception about one-self . Further , the physical and psychological disadvantage of obesity can even diminish education and employment opportunities and can also cause real impact on the income and security of the person

Many studies were undertaken to unravel the real causes of obesity Various factors were considered to have caused overweight problem among a number of people around the world . However , according to Scott the core reason why people become overweight is when people take calories more than what is required by the body on a daily basis . This results to energy imbalance and if it continues for an extended period of time , it will lead to overweight . Furthermore , when the energy imbalance is coupled with the inactivity of people , this will then fuel obesity problem

Our environment of inactivity is a secondary cause of obesity Energy-saving devices , streets not anymore safe for walking or biking and stairs in buildings are either inaccessible or unattractive - these grabbed people opportunities of physical action . This environment of inactivity is a blueprint for banking rather than burning calories . As the population eats more , substantial increases in exercise would be needed to keep weight stable , otherwise , excess calories surely results to overweight or obesity . Myers said that much of the increase in obesity in the last 25 years has resulted from the decreased level of physical activity in everyday life (such as...