World Health Organization recent report on Obesity and overweight (2012)

Why is this happening?

 

• Urbanization & Changes of Dietary habits

Many foods today are refined to the extent that they don’t have any nutrients anymore, compared to the foods of the past which would have healthy nutrients that our body could absorb.

 

• Less Physical Activity

Many of us today have convenience all around. An example of this is compared to my years ago where people had to walk or cycle distances to get around, many of us today have cars that we utilize for even short distances. An accumulation of these conveniences lead to less energy exerted leading to a buildup of fats. 

 

To further understand the situation we have to look at the factors: Why, How, Risks Involved and The Solution.

 

Why do we become overweight?

 

1.   Genetic Factor

Genetics may account for up to 50 percent to 70 percent of your weight variability, meaning those with poor genes may have a harder time losing weight.

 

It is far more likely that genetics influences your lifestyle and food choices, not your weight itself. While genes may mean you have a harder time controlling cravings, or feeling full, this doesn't mean weight loss is impossible -- you simply have to work harder to stay motivated, regulate your calorie intake and move more.

 

2.   Bad eating habits

Depending Some habits people have that can contribute to weight gain: they eat most of their meal out, always eat more than necessary (more carbohydrates than proteins), take in too much sugars, skipping meals, not drinking enough water.

 

3.   Emotional factor

Studies have linked anxiety, depression and anger with overeating for many people, and researchers at Leeds University found that when people feel very stressed they tend to eat high fat, high sugar snacks rather than healthier main meals and vegetables.

 

4.   Hormonal imbalance

Your hormones control every aspect of weight loss including your metabolism, where you store your fat, your appetite and even your cravings. This means any form of hormonal imbalance will hinder your efforts – regardless of your diet and exercise habits.

 

5.   Metabolic disorder

6. Growth Hormone deficiency

Approximately one in every 10,000 people will have adult onset growth hormone deficiency. People with adult growth hormone deficiency have an increased risk of heart disease and strokes as a result of the physical changes that occur in body fat, cholesterol and circulation. Healthy living, a balanced diet and exercise to prevent becoming overweight are essential to reduce this risk. 

7. Medications

Certain prescription drugs used to treat mood disorders, seizures, migraines, diabetes, and even high blood pressure can cause weight gain.

8. Physical , emotional & Environmental Factors

We all know how our feeling and environment have a effect on our diets which in turn affects our waistline.