Understanding the Causes of Obesity

1. Understanding the Causes of Obesity Obesity is a major health concern in our society today. It has become a global epidemic, with more than 1 billion people affected worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, four million people die each year as a result of obesity. Understanding the causes of obesity is essential to finding ways to prevent and treat it. Experts emphasize that people with obesity shouldn’t be blamed for their health condition. Obesity is no longer considered a cosmetic issue that is caused by overeating and a lack of self- control. The World Health Organization along with National and International medical and scientific societies, now recognize obesity as a chronic progressivediseaseresulting from multiple environmental and genetic factors. At its core, obesity is impacted by an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. When we consume more calories than we burn, our bodies store the excess calories as fat, leading to weight gain and eventually obesity. Some of this has to do with what we what we eat or lack of physical activity. Eating too much processed food or high-calorie snacks can lead to weight gain over time. Eating large portions or skipping meals can also contribute to weight gain and obesity. Low intake of fat-fighting foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, quality protein also negatively impacts your weight. In addition, a sedentary lifestyle is another cause of obesity. This lack of physical activity can lead to a decrease in muscle mass, which reduces metabolism and makes it easier for the body to store fat instead of burning it off as energy. However, there are many other factors outside diet and exercise that can contribute to this imbalance and lead to obesity. Certain medical conditions can also contribute to obesity. Hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and Prader-Willi syndrome are just a few examples of conditions that may be linked with increased body weight due to altered metabolism or hormonal imbalances in the body. In addition, certain medications used for treating mental health disorders may have side effects that lead to weight gain over time if not managed properly with dietary modifications or exercise regimens tailored for each individual patient’s needs by medical professionals experienced in managing these types of conditions. Finally, genetics play an important role in determining how susceptible someone is to becoming obese or overweight due to lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity levels. While some people may be able to eat whatever they want without gaining any extra pounds, others may struggle even when they make healthy choices about food intake. It’s important for individuals

2. at risk for developing obesity due their genetic makeup understand how their genes influence their risk so they can make informed decisions about their lifestyle choices. The causes of obesity are complex, involving genetics, societal and environmental factors. In some cases, however, lifestyle modifications alone may not be enough for individuals who are severely obese or have medical conditions related to their obesity such as type 2 diabetes or heart disease. In these cases, bariatric surgery may be recommended by healthcare professionals to help the patient achieve long-term weight loss success and improved health outcomes overall. At Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery, we offer several different types of bariatric surgery options for our patients who are looking for long-term solutions for their obesity-related health concerns. Our team of experienced surgeons specialize in sleeve gastrectomy surgery, gastric bypass surgery, duodenal switch surgery and revisional bariatric surgeries (for patients who have had previous bariatric procedures). Each procedure has its own set of benefits depending on the patient’s individual needs so it is important that patients discuss all options with their doctor before deciding which procedure would be best suited for them personally. Nicholson Clinic strives to provide our patients with comprehensive care throughout every step of their journey towards better health through bariatric surgery options tailored specifically for them based on their individual needs and goals. We understand that each patient’s journey is unique which is why we work closely with them from pre-surgery preparation all the way through post-surgery follow-up care in order ensure successful outcomes both short term and long term for our patients’ overall health benefits.