Obesity Factors: ecology, snack food, lack of movement, inherited obesity.
Obesity is a complex medical issue; and, although there is clearly a link between a poor diet, lack of exercise and obesity, the link is not as simple as is usually assumed. The functioning of the metabolism and the role of various genes is not yet fully understood, but much research is currently being carried out by experts in the field, in the hope of developing successful treatment and furthering our medical knowledge.
We in the West are increasingly having sedentary lifestyles and enjoying more snack foods – and doing less cooking with fresh food and vegetables. Family meal times and Sunday lunches do not exist in the same way, and many spend their lunch times at their desks. For many, these factors contribute to weight gain.
Many people eat more when they are unhappy. Consuming sugary or high-fat foods is known to release serotonin into the brain, giving a temporary feeling of happiness. As this sensation fades, the individual is 'dropped' and may feel worse than before. This encourages a practise of 'binge eating', or consuming more and more food.
There are also diseases which encourage weight gain, and many prescription medications which list weight gain amongst their side-effects.
There is new research which suggests that our genetic make-up may play some part in our propensity to gaining weight. The GAD2 gene is just one of around 250 which are currently being investigated. Researchers at Imperial College London have completed research which found that one form of the GAD2 reduces appetite and is usually found in thinner people, the other form (which increases appetite and reduces the feeling of 'fullness') is more often found in overweight and obese people. Research into the subject continues.