The term ‘overweight’ can be defined as a weight which exceeds the normal range for the individual’s gender and height (Stern & Kazaks, 2009). So the same weight may be categorized as underweight, normal, overweight or obese in different individuals based on these two factors.
One method of measuring the weight range is determined by the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is calculated using the weight and height of the individual. A BMI of over 25 and 30 is considered to be overweight and obese respectively (Berk, 2008). Whether an individual is overweight or obese would thus depend on his/her BMI.
The following chart can provide an idea of whether you are overweight.
Causes of Weight Gain.
An individual gains weight due to genetic predisposition combined with various personal and environmental reasons (Atkinson, 2005). Generally speaking, weight increases when the input of energy (in the form of calories from food and drinks) is greater than its output (in the form of physical activity). This extra energy then gets converted to and is stored as body fat
(Stern & Kazaks, 2009).
For a thorough weight loss plan, it is important that the factors which led to the weight gain are known, so that each factor can be addressed accordingly.
The various factors which may contribute to being overweight could be the following:
1) GENETICS, HEREDITY AND FAMILY HISTORY OF OBESITY:
An individual may be genetically predisposed to weight gain. Various studies show the heritable nature of obesity. Maes et al. (1997) reported studies on the physical characteristics in twins and found similarity in their weights and BMI respectively. They estimated the heritability of obesity to be 70%.
Stunkard et al. (1986) showed that people who were adopted as children grew up having weights similar to their biological rather than their adoptive parents. While these studies show the heritability of body weight, Stein (2008) argues that these similarities may be due to the same eating and lifestyle habits within the family. This author concludes by pointing out that genetics play a role in the physiology and metabolism of the person, which may predispose to increased food intake and the resultant weight.
Bray & Ryan (2006) also point out that the specific genes causing obesity may vary but generally, genetics play a role in increasing the chances of being affected by the environmental factors.
2) ETHNICITY AND CULTURAL FACTORS:
An overweight individual may belong to a culture or ethnic group which is prone to gaining weight. The difference in body weights across cultures may be due to a myriad of factors, including preference for certain types of foods that are high in caloric content, amount and frequency of meals, preparation of food using high fat ingredients, amount of physical activity, etc. (Atkinson, 2005).
Comparing over a thousand women of various ethnic backgrounds, Pomerleau et al. (1999) concluded that South Asian and Afro-Caribbean women had higher weights compared to European women. This study concluded that for South-Asian women (e.g. from Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka) the main reason is lack of physical activity.
Another reason for higher weights in certain ethnic categories is the physiological factors. African women, for example, have lower resting metabolic rate, which contributes to higher weights (Berk, 2008).
3) AGE AND PARITY:
An increase in age, especially over 50, is another factor which predisposes to gain win eight. The possible reasons are a decrease in physical activity as well as metabolic and hormonal changes especially in women after menopause (Waine, 2002).
Also for women, the weight gained during pregnancy may be retained in some women and the prevalence increases with each subsequent pregnancy (Linné et al., 2003).
4) DIETARY FACTORS AND EATING HABITS:
National Health Service recommends a daily amount of 2000 calories for women and 2500 calories for men. If the calories exceed the required amount without the physical activity to compensate the intake, it will lead to a gain in weight. For instance, consuming 150 calories more than the recommended amount could lead to a gain of about 1.5 stones in 2 years
While overeating is the main cause of obesity; it also depends on the type of food being consumed. If the diet is rich in sugar and fat content or low in fibre and calcium, it will increase the weight (Bray & Ryan, 2006; Atkinson, 2005).
Another factor is the behaviour associated with food consumption. Speakman & Levitsky (2009) have compiled a number of studies which show that factors like eating large portions of a variety of high-energy foods, eating even
if not hungry, snacking or irregular meals, watching television while eating, eating processed food and drinking sugary drinks can all contribute to this problem.
5) LACK OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:
As mentioned above, weight gain occurs when the output of energy is less than its input. The expenditure of energy occurs through three routes; Basal metabolic rate (the energy consumed for essential body functions e.g. breathing and circulation), Thermogenesis (energy consumed for physiological functions e.g. digestion) and physical activity (Jebb et al., 2009). Weinsier et al, (1998) concluded that among these variables, lack of physical activity seems to influence the most effect on increased weight.
An overweight or obese person may be leading an inactive lifestyle. She may not be exercising enough or have a hectic work schedule which would allow little time for exercise. She may be spending long periods of time sitting down e.g. working on computer, watching the television, etc. Essentially, a sedentary lifestyle predisposes to weight gain.
6) PSYCHOLOGICAL AND EMOTIONAL CAUSES:
Overeating to manage negative emotions, i.e. comfort eating, is another factor which various studies have concluded to be the cause of obesity (Gluck, 2008). Loneliness, boredom, and depression are also associated with higher prevalence of obesity (Juturu; Fuller, 2008; Atkinson, 2005).
Stressful times in life, for example, divorce, unemployment, change in residence, or suffering from emotional states like anxiety, sadness, etc. can lead to overeating and subsequent weight gain. Stress and mood disorders may also lead to lack of or disturbed sleep. This predisposes to weight gain due to metabolic and behavioural changes, along with lower energy to participate in health activities (Gangwisch, 2008).
Finally, overeating may be habitual in nature e.g. habits like ordering plus-sized meals, putting lots of ketchup on the food or late night snacking when watching Netflix!
7) SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:
Low socioeconomic condition means that people may not get access to high quality food nor the time, and place for physical activity. Smith (2008), points out that socio-economic factors are inversely related to obesity. People from low income families, she explains, usually consume low quality food which is high in calorie content e.g. processed fast food rather than freshly prepared food. Furthermore, they have less access to resources for physical activities e.g. expensive gyms or lack of local parks. Both of these factors lead to predisposition to gaining weight.
The environment could play a similar role. At home, for example, availability of large amount of unhealthy food e.g. snacks and frozen food may lead to compulsive eating. In the neighbourhood there may be fast food restaurants and supermarkets giving access to readily available food. At work, there may be wending machines with high caloric foods or long-distance commutes, not allowing enough time for exercise.
Finally, some people overeat when in social situations, or when in presence others who also have unhealthy eating habits (Speakman & Levitsky, 2009).
8) DRUG ABUSE AND MEDICATION :
Some drugs increase the intake of sugar, while others increase the craving for large amounts of food, e.g. marijuana (Gearhardt, 2008). Overtime, this increase in diet may lead to gain in weight. Alcohol may also contribute due to the high caloric content of the drinks, effect on metabolism and the appetite stimulation caused by it (Mun, 2008).
Some prescriped medications can cause gain in weight as well. Some medications used in Neuro-Psychiatry e.g. for depression or convulsions can cause weight gain. Similarly, some medications for diabetes, blood pressure or allergy medications and steroids can cause weight gain. The important thing to understand however is to not stop such medications to avoid weight gain. Instead, if you are concerned, discuss it with your doctor.
9) MEDICAL CONDITIONS:
Some medical conditions e.g. hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, Polycystic ovary syndrome and Diabetes can cause gain in weight either directly or due to medications being used.
Conclusion:
One of the main reasons of writing this article was for the reader who is concerned about their weight to go through this list and see if one or more factors exist in them. With that knowledge, one can start making small changes in their lifestyle to start on the journey of weight loss. For example, upon inspecting my intake for a week a few years back, I realised that I drank tea 3-5 times a day and that included two spoons of sugar per tea! Upon realising this, I stopped putting sugar in my tea and the resultant decrease in 10 or so teaspoons of sugar per day made a huge difference in not only my weight but also my overall health and well-being.
Remember that it is not a single factor which results in overall weight. Every small decision leads to either an increase or decrease in weight.
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References:
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Berk, E. (2008) Ethnic disparities in obesity among women. In: Keller, K. (ed.) Encyclopedia of obesity. California, SAGE Publications, Inc., pp. 232- 234.
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