Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Causes of obesity: food, activity, sleep, genes, medical conditions and medicines.
Obesity has many causes, and most people have more than one. It is rarely just about eating too much or exercising too little.
Energy balance and food
Activity
Sleep and stress
Genes and family
Family history influences body shape, appetite and where fat is stored. South Asians tend to store more fat around the belly at a lower weight.
Medical causes
Medicines
Steroids, some antidepressants and antipsychotics, some diabetes medicines (such as insulin and sulfonylureas), some anti-epilepsy medicines and some contraceptives can add weight. Never stop a medicine on your own, but ask your doctor if weight gain is a concern.
Life stages
Pregnancy, menopause, quitting smoking and childhood overeating or inactivity.
Environment
Easy access to cheap high-calorie food, few safe places to walk and food marketing.
Ayurvedic view
Day sleep, heavy sweet and oily food and lack of activity are traditionally linked to Sthaulya. This is interpretive.
Remember
Finding your own causes, including thyroid and sleep, helps plan care without blame.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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