Understanding the Root Causes of Obesity and How to Tackle Them 

Obesity is a growing global epidemic that affects millions of people worldwide. It is not just a matter of appearance but a serious health condition that can lead to several chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. 

The root causes of obesity are complex and multifaceted, including genetic, environmental, social, and behavioural factors. Understanding these root causes is crucial in developing effective strategies to tackle obesity. We will explore the root causes of obesity, how to tackle obesity and a few additional tips. 

Root Causes of Obesity

1. Genetics and family history: Obesity is a complex trait influenced by several genes. Obesity can be affected at the genetic level due to specific genes or “loci” that code for proteins and other molecules involved in energy balance. Some of these genes include leptin, melanocortin receptors, and Neuregulin. In time, personalised treatments might be made available for obese patients based on their genetics.

2. Poor dietary habits: Many people know that consuming too much food and not getting enough exercise can lead to weight gain. However, this is not the only factor contributing to obesity. Many people nowadays consume too many carbohydrates, particularly refined carbohydrates and sugars, which the body can easily absorb. These foods often contain large amounts of fats and free sugars with a high glycemic index (GI).

3. Lack of physical activity: Adults should be doing at least 100 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 85 minutes of vigorous activity each week. With high obesity rates and limited access to safe outdoor areas, many people are physically inactive. They do not even have a proper concept of “moderate-intensity physical activity” or how to achieve this goal.

4. Medications and medical conditions: Some drugs, such as steroids, brain and pituitary tumours, and Parkinson’s disease, can also cause weight gain. Also, certain medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can cause weight gain.

5. Social and cultural factors: Various social and cultural factors also contribute to the increasing rates of obesity. People are working longer hours and may need more time for exercise during the day. Food is also a reward or expression of love in some cultures. It is common for people in these cultures to eat high-fat and calorie-dense foods daily.

6. Psychological factors: Psychological factors such as anxiety and depression also contribute to obesity. Obesity is a significant public health problem today. Also, it has long-term implications for various chronic diseases. However, research is still ongoing with current knowledge and approaches to resolve this epidemic and help people improve their lifestyle behaviour to combat the rising rates of obesity. 

Tackling Obesity

Healthy eating habits: Certain factors can help reduce obesity, primarily through healthy eating habits. People should reduce the number of carbohydrates in their diet to a minimum, especially refined carbohydrates. They should also avoid overeating sugar and fats.

Lifestyle changes: In addition to healthy eating habits, people also need to make lifestyle changes that can help reduce obesity. These include exercising and decreasing the intake of calories from high-GI foods.

Reducing alcohol consumption: Alcohol is among the most common causes of obesity worldwide. Alcohol consumption should be limited as it is known to raise the risk of diseases.

Reducing salt consumption: Salt consumption is another factor contributing to obesity worldwide. It has been found that reducing salt intake by about 40% can help lower people’s weight and lower their risk of high blood pressure by a third. These are some examples of actions that can be taken to tackle this issue.

Regular physical activity: Regular physical activity is crucial in reducing obesity and its related diseases. Physical activity helps reduce weight, improve health, prevent chronic conditions, and contribute to a longer life.

Obesity is widely recognised as a global public health problem that severely affects people’s health and well-being. However, although many strategies are being undertaken worldwide, they are not proving effective, with high obesity rates still being reported worldwide.

Stress management: Coping with stress is also essential in reducing obesity. It affects people’s eating habits, as well as their sleeping habits, which subsequently can lead to overeating and eating high-GI foods.

Talking to your doctor: In addition to the strategies discussed above, communicating with your doctor about your physical activity and diet plan can help prevent the onset of diseases related to obesity.

Medical intervention and support: Bariatric surgery (also known as weight loss surgery) is one medical intervention that can help people reduce obesity and its related illnesses. Bariatric surgery can help people reduce their weight by a third by restricting food intake and regulating blood sugar levels.

Additional Tips: 

1. Eat breakfast: Eat something high in protein and fibre, such as a whole grain cereal with fruit (e.g., orange, banana) or oatmeal (1 cup of cooked oatmeal contains 9 grams of fibre and 10 grams of protein).
2. Eat a balanced diet: Include healthy foods from all food groups – fruit, vegetables, dairy products, grains and protein sources. Also, include less salt and sugar.
3. Drink water: Drink at least 64 ounces of water each day.
4. Exercise: Try interval training if you cannot exercise for prolonged periods. Choose a fitness program that is appropriate for you and your level of physical activity, and do it regularly.
5. Don’t skip meals: Eat breakfast each morning and at least one meal a day.
6. Limit snacking: Only eat when hungry, and do not eat when you are not hungry; try not to eat too often or too much.
7. Set realistic goals: Avoid drastic or unsustainable weight-loss goals that might lead to loss of motivation.
8. Watch your portion sizes: Avoid eating out of boredom or because you are lonely.
9. Reduce the amount of fat, sugar and salt in your diet: A healthy diet is essential.
10. Remember to drink water every day.
11. Increase physical activity: Try to get at least 30 minutes daily and up to 60 minutes daily.
12. Take a walk: Walk more instead of taking the car or public transport wherever possible; carry heavy items on foot rather than using a trolley or shopping cart, for example; use stairs instead of lifts whenever you can.

Conclusion

Obesity and weight management are complex, with various root causes, including genetics, environmental factors, social norms, and behaviour. To effectively tackle this growing problem, we need to understand the underlying factors and develop multifaceted strategies that address each of these causes. Further, you can also explore weight loss management in UAE.

It might include promoting healthy diets and physical activity, creating supportive environments, and addressing cultural and social norms contributing to unhealthy lifestyles. While there is no easy solution, it is clear that we must take action to address the root causes of obesity if we want to make a meaningful impact on this growing global epidemic.