Obesity and morbid obesity may have various causes. Below, you will find five main causes:
Heredity
In some people who are severely obese, heredity appears to play a part. The research done in 1990 by Professor Bouchard, a Canadian, is well known. He had 12 sets of identical twins take in a surplus of 1000 kcal. a day for three weeks. All of them gained weight, although there were huge differences between the sets of twins. However, within the sets of twins an identical picture was seen. A great deal of research is being carried out into genetic factors which may play a part in severe obesity. Researchers were enthusiastic when the obesity gene was discovered in mice in 1994. This gene produces the protein leptin, which contributes to the feeling of satiety (fullness). It has been demonstrated that mice with a defective gene eat enormous amounts. However, the joy was short-lived, as things turned out to work differently in humans. People who are severely obese appear to have absolutely no anomalies in this specific gene, which means that severe obesity cannot be explained by a single defective gene. However, all this research has produced many new insights into a variety of mechanisms which function much less effectively in persons who are obese, such as fat combustion, metabolism, and feelings of hunger and satiety.
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Positive energy balance
Your body needs energy in order to function properly. The body obtains this energy from food. If the same amount of energy is taken in as is
required, weight remains stable. On the other hand, if more energy is taken in than is
used, some energy is left over. This is called a positive energy
balance. This surplus is stored in the fatty tissue, being kept in reserve for
later. If those fat reserves are never used, there will be an increase in
weight. The amount of food a person needs depends very much on the
individual. Some people use the energy they have taken in faster than
others.
Metabolic disorders
Disorders of the metabolism mechanism, such as that by an underactive
thyroid, can also result in obesity or morbid obesity.
Social habits
Increased prosperity may be one of the most significant factors in
overweight. It exerts a considerable influence on our eating habits. Unbalanced
eating, fast-food fatty snacks between meals, portions which are too large and too
rich, and soft drinks can all have a negative effect on the energy
balance. In addition, people in general do not exercise enough.
Psychological factors
The eating habits of many people may also be influenced by their
environment. People may be stimulated by scent and color to eat more or be persuaded to join in
socially: e.g. "Don't be so antisocial, have a piece of cake". In
addition, eating (too much) may offer temporary consolation after a bad
experience, or at times of grief or stress. The blow-out after a failed diet is a well-known phenomenon -
'it never works' - which can rapidly land someone who is overweight in a vicious
cycle.
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