The incidence of obesity in Vienna has been on the rise in the recent past. This rise has been attributed to eating highly processed foods and physical inactivity. When obesity is not managed properly, you can develop some complications like heart diseases, diabetes, sleeping problems, and some cancers, like colonic and liver cancers. Prevention is easier than trying to lose weight because this requires a lot of commitment and takes a long time to happen.
The doctor makes a diagnosis of obesity by taking your medical history to find out the cause of obesity. The Vienna, VA, weight loss specialist also rules out complications of obesity by doing a physical examination of your body and ordering some laboratory tests like random blood sugar to check for diabetes. The doctor will then come up with a treatment plan that works for you. The treatment options can be through lifestyle modification, medications, or surgery.
What Causes Obesity?
1. Genetic Predisposition
Obesity runs in families, and your risk of getting obesity increases if you have a first-degree relative who has the condition. You can inherit the genes that cause diabetes from your parents that can affect the way your body breaks down food as you exercise and how much of the food that you ingest is converted to energy. Genetics also play a part in the regulation of your appetite. Another reason why obesity runs in the family is that people in the same family consume the same foods.
2. Lifestyle Choices
Your risk of becoming obese is high if you eat a diet that has a lot of unhealthy foods. An unhealthy diet is one that has a lot of processed foods, high-calorie foods, lacks vegetables and fruits, and if you eat very large portions of food. If you consume beverages that have high calories and sugar levels, you are at high risk of obesity. Your risk of obesity further increases if you are physically inactive, because the calories that you ingest are not broken down.
3. Medical Conditions
Some diseases increase your chances of suffering from obesity. These conditions include Cushing syndrome and arthritis. If you have any condition that limits your mobility, you have a higher chance of becoming obese. Some medications like beta-blockers, steroids, antidepressants, and antipsychotic medications can also cause obesity, especially when combined with an unhealthy diet and physical inactivity.
4. Pregnancy
It is normal for a pregnant woman to gain about 30 lbs during pregnancy. This is because of the weight of the baby and the water retention that occurs when you are pregnant. This weight gain can cause obesity if the woman was already overweight before pregnancy. It is also difficult for some women to lose weight during the postpartum period, especially if they are stressed. Women who breastfeed their babies generally lose weight faster than those who do not.
Other factors that cause obesity include excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking, and also some unhealthy bacteria of the gastrointestinal system that contribute to weight gain. It is also common for women to gain weight after menopause because the rate of metabolism reduces. Sleeping problems and social-economic factors also contribute to weight gain.
In summary, obesity is a condition that affects many people in the world today. The risk factors that cause obesity include having a family history of obesity, eating highly processed foods, physical inactivity, pregnancy, diseases like Cushing syndrome, and some medications like beta-blockers. Avoiding these risk factors will help in preventing the development of obesity.