While the most common cause for obesity is eating too much and not exercising enough, a number of other causes and factors associated with obesity are being looked at and these include:
The role of micro-organisms (the bugs that live in your gut change with your weight and scientists are investigating why this occurs and what impact it has on appetite and weight gain)- Epigenetics(the search for genetic factors relating to obesity – not looking too positive)
- Increasing maternal age (pears turn into apples as we age!)
- Sleep debt (inadequate sleep is associated with weight gain; the brain associates physical tiredness with low energy levels and can respond with an increased appetite to replenish energy)
- Endocrine (hormone) disruptors
- Medication (e.g. certain medications promote weight gain)
Whatever the cause, nothing happens to the body without the mind’s permission. If it is to be, it is up to me, has to be your mantra. What you eat and how much you exercise is your choice and managing your food intake and physical activity levels is currently the most effective way to lose weight and keep it off.