Have you thought about why there are so many obese people in today’s society? Society should never have any prejudices about those who have a few extra pounds on them.

That said, there’s no denying that being too overweight is unhealthy. Here’s the reason there are so many obese people today, and how that number can go down.

What Is Obesity?

So what is this condition that few people want to have?

It may surprise you to note that there’s a subtle, but significant difference between being overweight and being obese. Being overweight refers to the extra weight that results from having too much muscle tissue, bone, some fat or water. Obesity describes having too much adipose tissue (fat).

Obesity statistics around the world are staggering. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Diseases, around 2 to 3 adults are obese, while one out of 20 of them have extreme obesity.

10 Non-Obvious Reasons There Are So Many Obese People Today

Everyone’s aware that junk food results in an increase in the number of obese people. However, other causes of obesity may not stand out to you. Here are a few that you can avoid.

1. Prescription Drugs

First of all, the medication that you grab from your friendly neighborhood pharmacist isn’t necessarily good news for your weight. A study shows that pharmaceutical medicines can lead to obesity and other conditions like insomnia.

Those who take antidepressants are particularly susceptible to being overweight. About a quarter of those who suffer from depression gain ten pounds after taking them. Therefore, prescription drugs aren’t beneficial for weight. They also cause a host of other problems such as allergic reactions and itching.

2. Chemical exposure

Recent research finds that the organic pollutants found in food products lead to a high Body Mass Index (BMI). Farmers often give their cattle exogenous steroids to make them plumper. Studies have found that meat laced with antibiotics has the same effect on humans.

3. Food deserts

Another explanation for the increased number of obese people is the rise in food deserts. These are places where processed foods are plenty, but whole foods i.e. grains and vegetables are lacking. Consequently, maintaining your weight is difficult.

Furthermore, processed foods are becoming more available than before. With hot dogs more affordable than whole meat, it’s no surprise that people choose to have them for dinner instead.

4. Dehydration

If you’re a busy working professional, you may forget experts’ recommendations to drink at least 8 ounces of water daily. Drinking more than 1.5 liters of water a day allows a person to burn an extra 17400 calories. Also, hunger pangs are often a result of dehydration.



5. Unemployment

Unemployment is another cause of weight gain. Michael A Rosenwald of the Washington Post has shared that there are links between it and being overweight. People who need work spend time online filling out resumes and looking for jobs. The lack of exercise prompts weight gain.

6. Poverty

Poverty could also explain why more people are putting on weight. It’s hard to eat healthy on a budget. Processed foods are much cheaper than whole, organic meats and grains. A study of people in the Rio Grande Valley showed connections between poverty and obesity.

7. No opportunity for exercise

With the increase, living comes a lack of opportunity to walk and run. The parks and other spaces where people can do this are now fewer than before.

8. Stress

Have you noticed that your little ones tend to gain weight when there’s an important examination? Stress brings on food binges. It can also cause metabolic shifts and weight gain, according to the University of Cincinnati.

A poor work -life balance has led to an increased number of obese people. Individuals in developed nations such as the United Staes and Japan spend most of their time at work. Denise Dellarosa Cummins, the author of Good Thinking: Seven Powerful Ideas, suggests that a poor work-life balance is one of the leading causes of obesity. With people having little time to take care of themselves, they pack on the pounds.

9. Lack of Healthcare

Some obese people aren’t able to afford proper healthcare. While legislation such as the Affordable Care Act in the United States has made insurance available to more people, medical care is still unavailable for some. Therefore, some people with weight problems don’t get access to programs that teach weight management.

10. Lack of Sleep

Finally, people are sleeping less and less. The University of Chicago has discovered that a lack of sleep leads to an increased appetite. It also prompts cravings for unhealthy snacks.

How to Avoid Obesity?

So how would you go about preventing unnecessary weight gain? These strategies are accessible, though one must make an effort to tap on them.

First of all, check your weight regularly. You’ll fight to keep your weight down once you realize that you’ve gained a few pounds. BMI is a way to calculate your body mass.

Then, there’s the age-old solution of healthy eating. The fact that you’ve heard it many times before means that it works. Eating whole foods will help you balance your weight.

Meal replacements are a quick way to lose weight. Diet shakes such as Ideal Fit and Ideal Shape, mostly made of whey, may serve as effective weight loss solutions for those who are too busy to prepare meals. With 22 different vitamins, you’ll get the nutrition you need.

Finally, turn to nature. You may already know of some natural foods that may help you lose weight. Cinnamon aids weight loss because it regulates blood sugars. Lemons, too, take off the pounds because they make the body alkaline.

In all, the number of obese people will decrease if everyone puts in some effort.

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