The more overweight you are, the greater the risk. Psychological problems such as low self-esteem may also accompany obesity because being overweight is generally regarded as being unattractive. Causes Eating large amounts and living a sedentary life are usually the main causes of obesity, but researchers have found that heredity strongly influences whether a person will become overweight. Experiments with animals have found five specific genes that control appetite and weight. A slower rate of burning energy because of insufficient thyroid hormones can cause weight gain.
Incidence Being overweight is a common problem in the United States.
One study puts the increase in death in the United States from obesity and its associated diseases at 300,000 per year. Symptoms you are likely to notice The charts for optimum weight based on height and other factors are widely available. Symptoms your physician may observe While such cases are rare, your doctor may discover that a hormonal or metabolic problem is causing weight gain. For people with long-term severe weight problems, a thorough physical examination will likely turn up medical problems associated with being overweight, such as high blood pressure. Treatment options Most people who are obese try changing their diet at some point - that is, they set up a regular plan that involves eating less or eating foods with a lower energy content.