Genes and Family History has a strong impact. It can determine where and how much fat is retained from foods. Sometimes medications or hormone problems can cause someone to be overweight and obese. Emotional factors can play a roll such as some people eat more than usual when they are bored, angry, or stressed. Food can also  comforting in times of depression. Over time, overeating will lead to weight gain and  may cause overweight or obesity. Some people gain weight when they stop smoking. However, smoking is a serious health risk, and quitting is more important than possible weight gain. Metabolism slows down as we get older and menopause can cause some weight gain as well. Studies find that the less people sleep, the more likely they are to be overweight or obese. Hormones that are released during sleep control appetite and the body’s use of  energy. For most people, erweight and obesity are caused by not having energy balance. Weight is balanced by the amount of energy or calories you get from food and drinks equaling the energy your body uses for things like breathing, digesting, and being physically active. Energy balance means that your energy in equals your energy out. To maintain a healthy weight, your energy in and out don’t have to balance exactly every day. It’s the balance over time that helps you maintain a healthy weight. The same amount of energy in and energy out over time = weight stays the same.

More IN than OUT over time = weight gain,

more OUT than IN over time = weight loss.

 

Set Realistic (“Do-able”) Goals. Getting the right weight loss goals is an important first step to losing and maintaining weight. Moderate-intensity physical activity includes jogging, speed walking, dancing, bicycling, gardening, and Swimming. Changing your behaviors or habits around food and physical activity is important for losing weight.

Reward your success for meeting your weight loss goals or Other achievements with something you would like to do, not with food. Choose rewards that you'll enjoy, such as a movie, music CD, an afternoon off from work, a massage, or personal time. Use small short term goals and rewards and have that ultimate long term goal and reward in mind. Weight loss medicines approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may be an option for some people. If you're not successful at losing 1 pound a week after 6 months of lifestyle changes, prescription medication may help. Always talk to your doctor before the use of weight loss products. Weight loss medication should be used only as part of a program that includes diet, physical activity, and behavioral changes.  Weight loss surgery may be an option for people with extreme obesity ( BMI of 40 or greater) when other treatments have failed.

 

References