|
|
Main > Specialty Areas > Endocrinology >
Causes of Obesity
Obesity was always considered to be the result of excessive intake of calories coupled with a sedentary lifestyle. However, there are some other facts that also lead to obesity. Recently an Oxford University and Peninsula Medical School study revealed that a mutated FTO gene with a single incorrect nucleotide increased risks of obesity by 30% whereas two incorrect nucleotide increased risks of obesity by 70%.
Other genetic reasons like polymorphisms which are present in some genes and which regulate your appetite, your metabolism, etc also increase obesity risks. Genetic disorders like the Prader-Willi syndrome or the leptin receptor mutations increase your chances of obesity. Then, the Cushings syndrome, better known as hypothyroidism, or eating disorders like binging, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa and medications like glucocorticoids or atypical antipsychotics also lead to obesity. If you have a high glycemic diet which consist of food and meals with a lot of sugars, a stressful lifestyle, or lack of sleep then you might be over weight or obese. If you keep trying to lose weight then you incur weight cycling risks which also leads to obesity. Repeated attempts to give up smoking also results in overeating and obesity.
|
| Random Useful Tip: |
Epinephrine shot If you are known to have a severe anaphylactic reaction, carry an epinephrine (adrenaline) shot with you at all times. Pay attention to expiration date and replace it regularly: upon expiration, it loses its effectiveness. |
| Random Drug Info: |
Acyclovir Acyclovir is a medication that is used to treat herpes infections of the skin, lips and genitals, chicken pox and shingles. It comes in the form of ointments, tablets, capsules or liquids. It relieves pain and itchiness and promotes healing; however, it does not cure the condition. Possible (but not common) side effects include headaches, upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea. Severe side effects, such as severe rash or itching, blood in the urine, stomach pain or fever are even less common, but require prompt medical attention. |
|