Single-Genetic And Cultural Factors: The Cause Of Obesity

Various regions of the world have different responses to the issue of obesity. Some cultures view obesity as necessary and attractive while others are taking drastic measures in an attempt to promote a healthy lifestyle. Although some of these drastic changes seem a bit invasive and controversial, policy makers are debating whether it is effective and even whether or not such a policy should be adopted in the United States. According to the article written by Gallagher, a culture sensitive approach should be implemented in order to tackle the issue of global obesity. A study of children of Mexican descent showed that about 32.6% of Mexican children occupying the U.S. are overweight and about 19.2% are obese (Gallagher 2010). The parents observed in this study were serving their children unhealthy foods, such as those from cans and fast food restaurants, due to price and convenience (Gallagher 2010).

Genetic research of obesity was partly successful in establishing obesity in model organisms – rodents where obesity occurs spontaneously together with other pathological aspects (insulin resistance, …). The main cause of monogenic obesity in these model organisms are common mutations always present in only one gene. Results of research on model organisms allowed us to understand biological mechanisms of calorie intake and regulation and maintenance of body weight. The most important insight into obesity was achieved in 1994 after discovery of ob gene encoding for leptin. In two years period, using screening method, candidate homologous genes, selected on genetic study basis on mice, another five genes were identified. Mutations on these genes were found to be the cause of autosomal recessive or dominant monogenic obesity. Products of these genes are leptin and its receptor, proopiomelanocortin (POMC) melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R) and

Genetics plays a role in obesity. For example, people who have an obese parent are more likely to become obese. There are also medical conditions that can lead to obesity, such as thyroid problems. However, a lack of exercise and poor diet are two of the main factors that have caused the drastic increase in the obesity epidemic in Canada.

Obesity is caused by an unbalanced diet and eating to many high in fat foods. Children who are obese are more likely to become obese adults.

Genes control almost every aspect of human life, and when it comes to weight there is no exception. Little is known, however, how much of an individual’s genes actually control the weight of certain individuals. Body fat can vary from person to person, yet some people have always carried more weight than others. Often times, when one person is overweight in the family, most of the other individuals in the same family are overweight as well. However, more than just genetics can go into being overweight, and a person’s genes are not the end all be all of obesity. Many times the environment surrounding people who are obese contributes to the overall weight of the individual, and when obesity promoting genes are mixed

According to Harvard Health Publications (11-12), the causes of obesity are interrelated. By understanding how these various factors interrelate and eventually how they cause obesity, we can be able to draw a conclusion whether the problem of being overweight is as a result of our own fault or it is a problem that people do not have control over. The factors that interact with one another and result in one person being overweight compared to another include; genetics and the person’s weight, influences from the external environment, physical inactivity and the behaviors that have been learned by a person.

In many cases obesity can be caused by bad eating habits, a traumatic experience, or bad eating habits as a child. In many instances, if the parents are overweight, there is a good chance that the child will be overweight as well. Children who are overweight at a young age are almost certain to be overweight when they grow up. Not only does being overweight make you less active, it also causes long term damage to your health. Being overweight can cause a number of risk factors and diseases. These can include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. These are growing problems everywhere in the United States. It has been known for years that being overweight causes an early death. There have been many sides to what actually causes obesity. Some say that is it caused by the environment. For example, lack of neighborhood sidewalks, or safe places for children to play, this is a problem for many. Another big cause is advertising. Americans are surrounded by ads from food companies. Children are the target of

Obesity can be caused by any number of things including genetics, physical inactivity, and overeating.

All of these contribute to obesity. Some attitudes might foster an acceptance within a peer group or family for obesity. Causal behaviors for obesity include overeating and lack of activity. Conditions consequential to obesity include socioeconomic factors and poor education.

     Obesity is the net result of an excess of energy consumption over expenditure. Factors that must be considered as contributing to causation are: heredity, and altered metabolism of adipose tissue, the list goes on and on. Overeating is clearly a prominent contributor to obesity. Feeding behavior occurs in response to hunger and to appetite induced by the presence of food.

Causes of obesity include lifestyle choices such as diets, lack of physical activity, psychological, environmental, genetics, medical conditions, effects of medication, lack of awareness and its implications as well as lack of education in the community. According to Sethi & Vidal-Puig (2007) there is a high risk of developing a wide range of health problems including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, infertility and osteoarthritis when obese and puts

In addition to obesity leading to other health problems, obesity stems from numerous causes such as genetic, environmental, and sociological factors. Other

Obesity and its cause is a complex issue, but the main causes can be generally grouped into three headings: poor diet, lack of exercise and lack of awareness.

First of all there are many causes of obesity, A lot of people ask why is there such a large increase of obesity in the last twenty years, and there are many simple answers, and

The epidemic of obesity is a medical circumstance defined as excess weight in the form of fat which may impair health. (World Obesity Federation, 2012). Obesity can be calculated by BMI which is body mass index. Obesity means BMI greater than 30. (ibid). This essay will outline the causes and effects of obesity. Diet, lifestyle, toxic environment and the causes of obesity are physical, psychological and economic are impacts.