Twenty researchers reviewed studies to identify possible causes for obesity other than overeating and lack of exercise. The evidence for these 10 is as compelling as research implicating eating and exercise, they say, and the combined effects may be significant.
1. Sleep deprivation.
2. Pollution. Man-made chemicals in foods, plastics and pesticides can disrupt the body's hormones, which control weight.
3. Air conditioning. Your body burns more calories if you're too hot or too cold.
4. Decreased smoking. (A new study suggests quitters gain about 20 pounds.)
5. Medicine. Certain contraceptives, steroid hormones, diabetes drugs, antidepressants and blood pressure drugs can cause weight gain.
6. Population age, ethnicity. Our population is getting older and more ethnically diverse; obesity rates are higher among middle-aged adults, African-American women and Hispanic Americans.
7. Older moms. Some studies suggest that the older a woman is when she gives birth, the higher her child's risk of obesity.
8. Ancestors' environment. Some influences may go back two generations.
9. Obesity linked to fertility. Some evidence suggests people with a genetic tendency toward being heavy have more children.
10. Unions of obese spouses. Obese women tend to marry obese men, leading to obese children.
Source: International Journal of Obesity online
2. Pollution. Man-made chemicals in foods, plastics and pesticides can disrupt the body's hormones, which control weight.
3. Air conditioning. Your body burns more calories if you're too hot or too cold.
4. Decreased smoking. (A new study suggests quitters gain about 20 pounds.)
5. Medicine. Certain contraceptives, steroid hormones, diabetes drugs, antidepressants and blood pressure drugs can cause weight gain.
6. Population age, ethnicity. Our population is getting older and more ethnically diverse; obesity rates are higher among middle-aged adults, African-American women and Hispanic Americans.
7. Older moms. Some studies suggest that the older a woman is when she gives birth, the higher her child's risk of obesity.
8. Ancestors' environment. Some influences may go back two generations.
9. Obesity linked to fertility. Some evidence suggests people with a genetic tendency toward being heavy have more children.
10. Unions of obese spouses. Obese women tend to marry obese men, leading to obese children.
Source: International Journal of Obesity online