10 Possible Causes of the Obesity Epidemic in The Bahamas
It’s well accepted that reduced physical activity and fast food are linked to obesity. But the evidence that these are the main causes of obesity is largely circumstantial. To stimulate debate, experts suggest 10 other possible causes of obesity, outlined in the International Journal of Obesity.
1. Sleep debt. Getting too little sleep can increase body weight. Today, many get less shut-eye than ever.
2. Pollution. Hormones control body weight. And many of today's pollutants affect our hormones.
3. Air conditioning. You have to burn calories if your environment is too hot or too cold for comfort. But more people than ever live and work in temperature-controlled homes and offices.
4. Sitting Too Much. The more time you spend sitting, the more likely you are to have obesity — regardless of how much you exercise. And it’s not just that you’re burning fewer calories when you’re sitting: Studies suggest that long periods of inactivity may actually affect your metabolism.
5. Medicine. Many different drugs including contraceptives, steroid hormones, diabetes drugs, some antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs can cause weight gain. Use of these drugs is on the upswing.
7. Older moms. There’s some evidence that the older a woman is when she gives birth, the higher her child’s risk of obesity. Women are giving birth at older and older ages.
8. Ancestors’ Environment. Some influences may go back two or more generations. Environmental changes which may have made the grandparents obese may “through a fetally driven positive feedback loop” visit obesity on the grandchildren.
9. Eating Because of Emotions. Some people eat more than usual when they're sad, stressed, bored, or angry. With time, this pattern of emotional overeating can lead to obesity. A mental health expert can help you process your emotions and improve your quality of life.
10. Not Exercising Enough. Even among people who are genetically predisposed to obesity, physical activity can help maintain a moderate weight. Experts recommend 150 to 300 minutes of weekly moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking.
These other contributing factors deserve more attention and study. Even more explanations include: a fat-inducing virus; increases in childhood depression; less consumption of dairy products; and hormones used in agriculture. What do you think can be attributed to the epidemic?
Your Coach Demetrius Clarke
If you have any questions about lifestyle change please reach out to Bodies by Clarke at (242) 812-0829
