OBESITY

The different causes of obesity

The rise in the number of people suffering from obesity is a global reality. This pathology makes no distinction between the social classes of patients. Since 1975, the number of obese people has almost tripled worldwide. Obesity is defined as an excess of fat over muscle in the body. It results in overweight and fat storage in certain parts of the body. However, it is important to note that being overweight does not mean that you are obese. Obesity, over time, can lead to serious health problems and even death. To better understand the mechanism behind this global scourge, we need to look at its main causes.

How do you know if you're obese?

Obesity is an overweight condition characterized by an excessive and abnormal accumulation of fat tissue. These contain fat and can be dangerous to health. To find out whether or not a person is obese, the calculation of the body mass index or BMI must be performed. According to this indicator, a person is overweight when he or she has a BMI between 25 and 30. Above 30, he or she is considered obese. The BMI is obtained according to the following formula: weight (in kg) / height (in m) raised to the square. Thus a person weighing 65 kg and measuring 1.60 m will have a BMI equal to : 65 kg / (1.60 m x 1.60 m) =

25.4. The person in question is therefore slightly overweight.

However, the calculation of BMI, although it can be used to determine whether or not a person is obese, is quite limited. In fact, it does not specify in which part of the body the overweight or obese person accumulates fat. This is why, in addition to BMI, doctors use waist circumference to better identify and characterize a person's type of obesity. Depending on the location of excess fat, a person may be prone to either gynoid obesity or android obesity.

What causes obesity?

Regardless of the type of obesity affecting a person, this condition can have several causes. Moreover, this disease is multifactorial. Find out below about the main causes that can lead to obesity.

Genetics

In 70% of cases, obese people have at least one parent who is obese. Thus, there is a genetic predisposition to this pathology. These genetic abnormalities linked to obesity cause a decrease in energy expenditure during rest, and even during physical effort. This decrease also occurs after meals. Genetics also means that the person concerned is subject to a rather singular distribution of fat mass. However, genetics alone cannot explain obesity.

Psychological causes

Psychological health is closely related to physical health. Psychological factors can contribute to weight gain and the development of obesity. This is especially the case for people who, when they are in great distress, turn to food. The majority of stressed people find food a preferred means of compensation. Generally, it is high calorie foods that are preferred by these people.

Food

Dietary factors are the most frequently mentioned in cases of obesity. They correspond to an excess intake of calories. This excess is usually caused by eating sweet foods or foods high in fat. Apart from this, eating disorders such as bulimia or snacking are also responsible for weight gain.

Eating disorders

In some people, obesity can be caused by dysfunctions of certain neuromediators. Neuromediators play an important role in the regulation of food intake. They can act by stimulating food intake or inhibiting it.

Lack of sleep

According to various studies, a shorter sleep duration is associated with a high BMI. Thus, when a person sleeps less than 5 hours per night, the risk of obesity increases by 60%. Also, when sleep duration increases by one hour, the risk of obesity decreases by 9%.

Insufficient daily energy expenditure

This is a problem most affecting sedentary people. Indeed, the lack of daily physical activity leads to an imbalance between the calories consumed and those expended. This sedentary lifestyle is favoured by the current way of life, which is characterised by a lot of hours spent in front of the screens.

What is the risk of suffering from this pathology?

Apart from the daily difficulties caused by excess weight, obesity can have negative effects on health. This applies to both children and adults. For example, obese people are faced with :

In children and adolescents, obesity can also increase the risk of fractures, osteoarthritis and respiratory problems.