Genetics can contribute to obesity and affect the way your body stores fat.
Obesity is a condition that can have some serious health implications. Individuals with a BMI of 30 or more are often at higher risk of developing life-threatening diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Unfortunately, obesity is a common concern for many people and can be caused by a number of factors. Read on to find out what role genetics plays in the development of the condition, and what the other possible causes are.
What causes obesity?
One of the most common contributing factors of obesity is eating more calories than you use up in your daily activity. When you eat more than your body needs in the long term, you are likely to experience weight gain, which can in turn lead to obesity.
There are also a number of factors that can lead to obesity, some of which are out of one’s control. Genetic factors, for example, can have an impact on the way in which the body processes food into energy, as well as how fat is stored in the body.
Other possible causes of obesity include ageing, which can slow one’s metabolic rate and make it easier to put on weight; sleep problems that can lead to hormonal changes and an increased appetite; and pregnancy, which can lead to excess weight that can be difficult to lose.
What health conditions contribute to obesity?
As well as the aforementioned factors, there are also a number of health conditions that can put one at an increased risk of weight gain and obesity.
These include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects the balance of female reproductive hormones; Cushing syndrome, which is caused by excessive cortisol levels; hypothyroidism, which leads to an underproduction of certain hormones; and osteoarthritis, which causes severe pain and often leads to reduced activity and a sedentary lifestyle.
Are there other risk factors?
There are a wide range of factors that can put one at risk of developing obesity. Some people simply find it harder to lose weight than others because of their genetics, while mental health and psychological issues can also play an important role in one’s relationship to food and the body.
Environmental and social factors are also important considerations — limited food options, as well as a lack of information regarding healthy eating also play a role in one’s risk for obesity.
Can obesity be treated?
If you are struggling with obesity and have been unsuccessful in previous attempts at weight loss, it is advisable that you discuss your situation with a medical professional. Although lifestyle and behavioural changes can go a long way towards achieving a healthy body weight, many people benefit considerably from weight loss surgery.
Weight loss surgery works by restricting the amount of food that can be eaten and/or absorbed by the body. It is important to note, however, that bariatric surgery is just a starting point — you will need to adjust your eating habits after your procedure to ensure that you achieve optimal results.
How can we help?
Dr Stephen Watson is an experienced laparoscopic and general surgeon. He offers a number of bariatric procedures for patients who are struggling with obesity and would like to achieve healthier body weight.
The weight-loss surgeries that Dr Watson offers include SASI-S; gastric sleeve surgery; gastric bypass surgery; revisional weight loss surgery; and gastric banding. If you are considering weight loss surgery and would like to find out whether you are a suitable candidate for one of these procedures, we encourage you to arrange a consultation. Dr Watson will discuss your health concerns and expectations before recommending a procedure that is appropriate for you.
If you would like to find out more about weight loss surgery and what each procedure involves, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange a consultation with Dr Watson, please get in touch here or give us a call on (08) 6311 7578.
