Understanding obesity

The most common explanation for obesity in society is "eating too much and exercising too little." However, this oversimplification is not entirely fair, as modern research shows that the causes of obesity are far more complex. Studies have revealed that obesity is influenced by a wide range of factors, including genetics, socioeconomic conditions, psychological aspects, metabolism, and, of course, daily dietary and lifestyle habits.

We have collected 10 causes that may lead to weight gain and obesity.

1. Genetics. Obesity may have a genetic predisposition. Children of obese parents are much more likely to become obese than children of lean parents. However, it is not like obesity is totally predetermined genetically. 
2. Engineered ‘junk’ foods. Nowadays loads of products are engineered to be cheap, last long and taste that good that we are tend to grab more. A bunch of chemicals are used to reach that purpose, so the food manufacturers ensure that we eat more than we need and actually want.
3. Food addiction. These engineered junk foods stimulate the reward centres in our brains exactly the same way as alcohol and drugs do. People often lose control over their eating behaviour.
4. Aggressive marketing, especially towards children. The junk food companies are very aggressive marketers. Children are becoming addicted to junk foods way before they’re old enough to make conscious decisions about these questions.
5. Sugar. The worst part of our diet. When consumed in excess, sugar changes the hormones and biochemistry of the body, contributing to weight gain. Excess sugar consumption may cause insulin resistance and elevated insulin levels. All of these lead to energy storage and ultimately, obesity. Learn to read labels on food packages!
6. Insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar (glucose) levels. It helps cells absorb glucose for energy or storage, lowering blood sugar. Insulin also plays a role in fat and protein metabolism. When insulin function is impaired (Insuline resistance or deficiency), it can lead to conditions like diabetes and obesity. The best way to keep Insulin in control naturally is to cut back on 'empty' carbohydrates such as sugars and white flour products.
7. Leptin. A hormone primarily produced by fat cells that helps regulate appetite and energy balance. It signals to the brain, particularly the hypothalamus, that the body has enough stored fat, reducing hunger and encouraging calorie burning. However, in obesity, a condition called leptin resistance can occur, where the brain does not properly respond to leptin signals. This can lead to continued overeating despite sufficient fat stores, contributing to further weight gain.
8. Certain medications. There is a row of pharmaceutical drugs that can cause weight gain as a side effect. For example, diabetes medication, antidepressants, antipsychotics etc. One has to use a strong willpower to control the weight gain while using these drugs.
9. Food availability. Food, especially fast or junk food, is readily available everywhere today – from street corners to gas stations and beyond. This constant accessibility increases the likelihood of impulsive purchases and often reduces the chances of making healthy meal choices throughout the day.
10. Lack of physical activities / sedentary lifestyle. Development of technologies lead to lower physical activity of most of human beings. Overweight and obesity are mostly caused by higher calorie intake than we burn. Note – if you consume extra calories, you have to add extra physical activities.

The good news is that obesity is now treatable. Surgical procedures such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, combined with psychological support and lifestyle and dietary changes, are considered the most effective methods for treating morbid obesity today.

Our expert bariatric team will guide you in determining whether weight loss surgery is the right option for you.