The Body Mass Index (BMI) is the measurement used to compare a person’s weight and height and defines whether someone is underweight, of normal weight, overweight or obese. The pre-obese/overweight BMI measurement is between 25 kg – 30 kg per m2. A BMI over 30 kg per m2 indicates obesity with abnormally high amounts of body mass or fat. Obesity usually occurs over time and is caused by genetics, lifestyle and social choices, diet, health and medication.
Genetics
A person can be born with a predisposition to becoming obese, and for this some seek gastric band surgery. Genetics plays a role in how our bodies metabolise food and the rate at which body mass develops. Some of us have faster metabolisms than others so we retain a more constant normal weight over time. A slower metabolism can contribute to a higher amount of body fat, which does not break down into energy. An increase in body mass is linked to less energy or a lower desire to do exercise. Such lifestyle choices can drive obesity development further.
Lifestyle Choices
We are motivated to choose a lifestyle and activities based on how we feel. If we feel a lack of energy, we are less likely to want to do exercise and more likely to increase in weight. Unhealthy lifestyle choices, like spending excessive hours in front of a television or computer instead of having intervals of exercise with fresh air, can also lead to unhealthy food choices. Social choices such as smoking or drinking in excess also raise or depress our appetite, affecting diet.
Diet
The foods and liquids we consume can contribute to either a healthy or unhealthy diet. Our diet can be influenced greatly by the company we keep. A diet of poor or unbalanced nutritional content may consist of eating fast or processed foods, fewer fruits and vegetables, comfort eating, excess alcohol or tea/coffee and larger food portions. A poor diet contributes to ill-health.
Health and medication
Periods of ill-health or certain conditions like under-active thyroid, ovarian cysts or over-production of certain steroids in the body can cause weight increase. Our food impacts on our brain’s chemical function. Medications like the pill or anti-depressants can also raise body weight. A medical practitioner can advise you more on causes of obesity and choices that can help you reduce your weight, such as diet, lifestyle, medication or surgery, which may include gastric band surgery, gastric bypass surgery and weight loss surgery.
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