Some individuals are obese because of specific biological problems such as malfunctioning thyroid or pituitary glands. Others may have physical problems or disabilities that severely limit or prohibit entirely exercise, strenuous work, and other physical activity. Researchers believe that in most cases obesity represents a complex relationship between genetic, psychological, physiological, metabolic, socioeconomic, and cultural factors. The children of heavy parents are more likely to be heavy than the children of thin parents. If friends and family members offer comfort in the form of food, people will learn to deal with painful feelings by eating instead of using more effective strategies.
Poor folks tend to be fatter than the affluent.
People living in groups that frequently celebrate and socialize at get-togethers featuring tempting food tend to be fatter than those who do not. Some individuals eat great quantities of food, exercise moderately or not at all, and never seem to gain weight. Others walk past a bakery and gain ten pounds. No two people are the same, and no two obesity profiles are identical. Older obese folks seem to be at even greater risk.