About 36% of the overall American population are considered obese, while another 32% are overweight. This means that more than half of the entire population is considered an unhealthy weight bracket. It is a growing concern ever since the early 2000s and continues to this day, despite a shift to a more health-conscious way of living.
Obesity Can Come from Genetics
Sometimes obesity is not because of your lifestyle but because of your bloodline. Children who are known to be part of an obese family tend to experience extreme hunger despite given enough food to eat. This can lead to overeating which then eventually leads to obesity once they’ve matured. However, this is not the only reason as to why. Many studies have found that obesity has a multifactorial cause, which means that there are many reasons for it aside from just genetics. Another reason why people are obese is that their environment might promote it.
Your Environment Can Increase Your Chances of Obesity
The environment you live in and your family members might promote a kind of lifestyle that normalizes overeating. You can also gain obesity in a hostile and stressful environment. It’s fairly common for workers to become morbidly obese because of the stress they get from work. People who might have a stressful childhood are also likely to become obese in the future.
Ultimately, the place you live, the people you live with, and how you live your life contributes to your unhealthy weight gain. If you combine all of these things with genetics, then you have the recipe for obesity. Obesity can cause all kinds of problems in your body. One of the most vulnerable parts is your thyroid.
Obesity Can Cause Severe Thyroid Problems
The thyroid is an essential part of the human body. It produces hormones we need for daily life. It also significantly impacts our metabolism. Many adults can experience thyroid problems over time, but they are likely to get better without treatment. However, obese adults are much likely to experience severe diseases such as Hashimoto’s disease and demand treatment.
This is because obesity is one of the primary contributors to the disease, and its comorbidity can make the symptoms of the disease even worse. In some cases, it can even be fatal. Treating these thyroid problems is essential for overweight and obese individuals because their body’s immune system is compromised. Another crucial part of your body is compromised when you’re obese, and that’s your heart.
Fatal Heart Problems
Cardiovascular disease is the leading chronic disease in the US, and it is related to obesity. Those who are obese are likely to develop this kind of disease and are likely to suffer severe consequences. This further demands treatment from healthcare professionals. Without changing one’s lifestyle, obese people can develop many diseases with the worse symptoms imaginable to humanity. However, it’s not only their physical health that’s in trouble but their mental health as well.
Mental Health Problems
Obese people are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and isolation in their lives. They experience many psychological burdens, which eventually force them to adapt in unhealthy ways. It creates a fatal cycle that is hard to break free. Without social support, many obese people eventually feel helpless and feel like there is no way out. They start to accept that there is no cure for it and embrace that it’s who they are.
With all of these things started, it only shows that obesity plays a very adverse role in your life. Preventing it from happening is key. Sadly, there is no known cure for obesity, aside from living a healthy lifestyle.
Healthier Living
Those who develop a healthier kind of living are less likely to become obese. However, it isn’t just the physical health that you should be worried about but also your psychological health. People who surround themselves with supportive peers and family members are likely to live a much healthier life.
These kinds don’t discriminate against you for who you are and empower you to become a better person. They aren’t the kind of people who’ll call you fat for the sake of it, but rather they are the kind of people who help you find ways to become a better version of yourself. These are the kind of people who genuinely care for you regardless of your roots.
If you find yourself a couple of pounds above the average weight or way above it, don’t panic, and don’t be scared. Remember that your health is in your own hands and that there are many ways you can live a much healthier life. Many people believe in you; we believe in you. So go out there and do what you think is best for your life.