By kkhealthcarecentre 
Obesity and being overweight are growing concerns worldwide, affecting people’s health across the globe. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that around 1.9 billion people are overweight, with 600 million classified as obese. Alarmingly, 41 million children under the age of 5 are also overweight. This article delves into some lesser-known causes of obesity that you may not be aware of.
Obesity ranks among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. People who are conscious about maintaining their weight often go to great lengths, sometimes blindly following online advice. Unfortunately, many are unaware of how these solutions might impact their health.
Here are some hidden causes of obesity you might not know about:
1. Antidepressants: While discussing mental health is challenging, taking medications is often necessary. However, these antidepressants can have unintended effects, such as causing an average weight gain of about 10 pounds (4.5 kg) in roughly 1 out of 4 people.
2. Artificial Sweeteners: Despite claims of no added sugars, these products can increase cravings for sweets by tricking the brain’s reward system.
3. Endocrine Disruptors: Hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism and weight. Conditions like hypothyroidism, diabetes, PCOD, and hypoglycemia can cause hormonal imbalances, leading to weight gain.
4. Diet/Low-Fat Foods: Products labeled as “low-fat” often contain sugars and calories that contribute to weight gain. These settle in the body and are more difficult to shed.
5. Too Much Exercise: Contrary to popular belief, excessive exercise can stimulate hormones that increase hunger and cravings for sweets. A supervised 30-minute workout can aid in weight loss, but more than that can backfire.
6. Ignoring Hunger: There’s a reason parents stress eating on time. Ignoring hunger cues can cause the body to store fat and slow down metabolism, leading to weight gain. It’s crucial to eat appropriately in terms of timing and quantity. Overeating can, of course, also result in weight gain.
7. Stress: Stress is a major factor that shouldn’t be underestimated. When stressed, the body releases cortisol, which makes you feel threatened and triggers the body’s survival mode, increasing food intake.
8. Sleep Cycle: Lack of sleep can lead to overeating as it disrupts REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, leaving individuals feeling tired and more prone to hunger.
Understanding these factors can shed light on why weight management is challenging, even when trying to lead a healthy lifestyle. While these are just a few reasons, paying attention to your body’s signals and how it responds to various situations and foods is essential. Be vigilant about these aspects, as neglecting them can have serious consequences.