Obesity is one of the biggest health problems in the world. It can be a contributing factor in other diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke, and dementia. Overeating is often cited as the only reason people are obese. In discussions about weight gain and obesity, many people seem to think that it is purely a function of willpower.
Since what we weigh is, normally, attributed to what we eat we must ask the question:
Is over-eating the only reason a person becomes overweight?
Human behavior is driven by various biological factors like genetics, hormones, and neural circuits. Eating behavior, just like sleeping behavior, is driven by biological processes. Therefore, saying that behavior is a function of willpower is way too simplistic.
Here are some factors thought to be the leading causes of weight gain, obesity and metabolic disease that have nothing to do with willpower:
- Genetics – Obesity has a strong genetic component. Offspring’s of obese parents are much more likely to become obese than offspring’s of lean parents.
- Insulin – Insulin is a very important hormone that regulates energy storage, among other things. One of the functions of insulin is to tell fat cells to store fat and to hold on to the fat they already carry. When insulin levels elevate, energy is selectively stored in fat cells instead of being available for use.
- Medications – Certain medications can cause weight gain as a side effect. Some examples include diabetes medication, antidepressants and antipsychotics. These medications don’t cause a “willpower deficiency,” they alter the function of the body and brain, making it selectively store fat instead of burning it.
- Leptin –This hormone is produced by the fat cells and is supposed to send signals to the hypothalamus (the part of our brain that controls food intake) that we are full and need to stop eating. The problem for some is their leptin isn’t working as it should because the brain becomes resistant to it. This is called leptin resistance and is believed to be a leading factor in the pathogenesis of obesity.
- Thyroid Disease – Thyroid hormone regulates our metabolism. Too little hormone slows the metabolism and often causes weight gain.
- Cushing’s syndrome – This condition results when the adrenal glands (located at the top of each kidney) produces an excess amount of a steroid hormone called cortisol. This leads to a buildup of fat in characteristic sites such as the face, upper back and abdomen.
A doctor can determine if any of these conditions or treatments is responsible for your obesity. If you would like to see a physician, please contact the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center to schedule an appointment. 718-206-7001.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.