Factors Contributing to Obesity

The cornerstone to Hattiesburg Clinic Weight Management is making dietary changes and increasing exercise. However, research has proven that obesity is the result of many factors – not solely the result of what a person eats.

Even before a person is born, there are factors that may contribute to his/her future weight. Did you know there is a gene that can influence susceptibility to obesity?

There are also circumstances that can increase the risk of obesity in unborn children: (1) the expectant mother being overweight or having poor nutrition, and (2) the expectant mother smoking during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Other contributing factors to obesity are:

  • Environment (family, home, geographic location)
    • Not eating meals together, eating at different times
    • Fast food, microwave meals
    • Sports drinks, energy drinks
    • Watching too much TV
    • Lower-income – fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nonfat or low-fat milk, and lean meats cost more per calorie than soft drinks, salty and sugary snacks, pastries, and packaged or frozen foods
  • Culture
  • Lack of optimal nutrition
  • Poor sleep
  • Certain medications
  • Stress
  • Certain health conditions
  • Bacteria in the gut that influence inflammation
  • Exposure to some environmental chemicals
  • Aging
  • Race and ethnicity

At Weight Management, we make a thorough assessment of all the factors that could be contributing to an individual’s obesity, determine which of those can be modified, and create a comprehensive plan to help people meet their weight-loss goals.

Weight Management: Pathways to Improving Your Health

Hattiesburg Clinic Weight Management will provide healthy tips and information each month. To be notified of an update via text message, opt in by texting the word WEIGHT to 57711.