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What Causes Obesity?
Obesity is a multifaceted condition with various causes, primarily occurring when excess calories are stored as fat in the body.When you consume high-calorie foods, especially those rich in fat and sugar, and don’t burn off the energy through physical activity, the surplus is stored as fat.
CaloriesFood energy is measured in calories. On average, a physically active man needs about 2,500 calories daily to maintain a healthy weight, while a physically active woman needs around 2,000 calories. These amounts may seem high, but they’re easy to exceed with certain foods. For example, a large takeout meal of a burger, fries, and a milkshake can contain 1,500 calories—nearly an entire day’s allowance in one meal. Learn more in our guide to understanding calories.Many people also fall short of recommended physical activity levels, leading to excess calories being stored as fat.
DietDiet and lifestyle play significant roles in obesity and overweight. Common contributors include:
- Consuming large amounts of processed or fast foods high in fat and sugar
- Drinking excessive alcohol, which is calorie-dense
- Frequent dining out, where meals may be high in fat and sugar
- Eating oversized portions
- Consuming sugary drinks like sodas and fruit juices
- Comfort eating, often linked to low self-esteem or mood issues
Physical ActivityA lack of physical activity is a key factor in obesity. Many people have sedentary jobs, rely on cars instead of walking or cycling, and spend leisure time on activities like watching TV or browsing the internet rather than exercising.When you don’t use the energy from food, it’s stored as fat. The Department of Health and Social Care recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (e.g., brisk walking or cycling) per week, which can be split into smaller sessions, such as 30 minutes five days a week. If you’re living with obesity and aiming to lose weight, you may need more exercise, starting slowly and gradually increasing intensity. Read more about physical activity guidelines for adults.
GeneticsGenetics can influence obesity. Some genes affect how the body processes food into energy or stores fat, and they may impact lifestyle choices. Rare conditions like Prader-Willi syndrome can also cause obesity. Inherited traits, such as a large appetite, may make weight loss harder but not impossible. Environmental factors, like limited access to healthy food or learned eating habits from childhood, often play a larger role than genetics.
Medical ReasonsCertain medical conditions can contribute to weight gain, including:
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), where insufficient hormone production slows metabolism
- Cushing’s syndrome, a rare condition causing excess steroid hormone production
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