CAUSES OF OBESITY

 

When energy intake exceeds expenditure, the excess calories are stored in adipose tissue, and if this net positive balance is prolonged, obesity results i.e. there are two components to weight balance and an abnormality on either side (intake or expenditure) can lead to obesity.

INTAKE CONTROL

Appetite is controlled by discrete areas in brain called hypothalamus. Te feeding centers (areas in brain) send positive signals to brain cortex that stimulates eating. There is another area of brain called the satiety centre that modulates this process by sending inhibitory impulses to the feeding centre Thus destruction of satiety centre will lead to over eating and obesity. (Obesity may follow due to damage to hypothalamus after head injury because it is unable to regulate appetite or satiety). The satiety centre may get activated by plasma glucose and/or insulin that follows a meal.

The total adipose tissue mass may also influence the hypothalamic centre. Ultimately it is the brain cortex which controls eating behavior. Psychological, social and genetic factors also influence food intake. In many obese subjects these influences are overriding.

Eating behavior : Eating habits of certain people can lead to obesity like:

(i) Frequent consumption of high fatty food.

(ii) Nibbling between meals is common among housewives and is a potential cause for obesity.

(iii) Some may eat faster taking less time for chewing, therefore they tend to consume more food.

(iv). Obese  respond to external cues to eat rather than internal hunger signals. instead of having food when they are hungry, they eat when it is mealtime or are surrounded by tasty foods.

(v).Housewives who are fond of cooking variety of foods or persons who are working in the kitchens may become obese.

(vi). Business executives who frequently attend business lunches have more chance of becoming obese.

(vii). People who do not want left over foods to be thrown out many consume forcibly and put on weight.

Psychological Factors                                       

Some may eat more in situations such as anxiety, depression and frustration as a compensatory mechanism.

Socio Cultural Factors

(i). Prosperity and civilizations: Obesity is common in prosperous countries and people from higher socio economic status  of developing countries. They have the purchasing power and availability of surplus food. Civilization has brought plentiful supply of appetizing foods and variety of foods in the market.

(ii). Parties and socialization:   To maintain their social circle and also because of formality people often tend to eat a richer diet.

(iii). Job: It may also affect, like housewives, cooks, chefs etc may eat more while models and air hostesses tend to eat less in order to maintain their figures.

(iv). Before/after marriage: Usually before marriage in order to maintain an impressive personality and appearance people make efforts to maintain proper weight and figure. While after marriage they may not be very concerned about it.

Genetics                                                                      

Genetic inheritance probably influence a person's chance of becoming fat. Within families the chances are 80% if both parents are obese, only 7% if either parent is obese.

Endocrinal (Hormonal) Factors

Obesity is found in hypothyroidism, hypogonadism and cushing's syndrome. Obesity is common at puberty, pregnancy and menopause.

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This article is written by Dr. Bimal Chhajer (India's best heart doctor)