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What is Obesity? Causes of Obesity in Adults

Article by <em>Adult Health Care Center</em>Article by Adult Health Care Center

© Ines Obregon (2025-02-13)
What is Obesity? Causes of Obesity in Adults  Globally, obesity is one of the leading causes of health problems. It is a phenomenon that involves the accumulation of fat in an person's tissues thereby making such gain excess weight and become overweight.
Research has revealed that an astonishing 45 - 70% of the adult population in the world is obese or overweight. Around the world, the prevalence of obesity has nearly doubled from 1980 to 2008. This however, is a serious concern to the world at large.

Introduction: Importance of Obesity Management in Adults

Obesity is a serious medical condition characterized by excess body fat that significantly impacts an individual's health. It is commonly defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. While some people may assume that obesity is merely an aesthetic concern, it carries severe health risks that can affect nearly every part of the body.

For adults over 40, the risk of obesity increases due to changes in metabolism, muscle mass, and lifestyle. As we age, our metabolism naturally slows down, making it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it. Additionally, hormonal changes, such as a decrease in growth hormone and testosterone levels, can contribute to increased fat storage. Sedentary behavior, coupled with a less active lifestyle, can further exacerbate the problem.

Obesity is linked to numerous health problems, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, joint issues, and certain types of cancer. These conditions not only affect quality of life but can also shorten lifespan. The burden of obesity goes beyond physical health; it often leads to emotional and psychological challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

The good news is that obesity is preventable and manageable with the right approach. Through lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and regular physical activity, many individuals can manage their weight and improve overall health. Moreover, for those struggling with obesity after 40, there are natural weight loss treatments that can support weight management. These treatments provide a safe and effective way to help adults shed excess pounds and maintain a healthier weight, offering a sustainable alternative to harsh dieting or extreme weight loss methods.

Obesity and Diseases

Obesity is one of the biggest contributing factors to poor health and a lower quality of life. Those that are obese are at a much greater risk for developing cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer. The causes of obesity are multifaceted and range from genetic to environmental.

Obesity and Diseases
Obesity and Diseases
Obesity increases the risk of several devastating and debilitating diseases. These include:

  • Arthritis
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Malignancies such as colon, prostate, breast as well as pancreatic cancer.
However, there are also certain underlying disorders or illnesses that can sometimes contribute to weight gain such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland). It is imperative to understand that health disorders such as this do not typically cause weight problems if properly check with the correct medications.

Health Risks Associated with Obesity After 40

As we age, our metabolism naturally slows down, and the body's ability to regulate weight becomes more challenging. This makes adults over 40 more vulnerable to the harmful effects of obesity.

  • One of the most concerning health risks linked to obesity is cardiovascular disease. Excess weight strains the heart, raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. The accumulation of fat, particularly around the abdomen, also contributes to higher cholesterol levels, which can further damage blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
  • Obesity is also a leading cause of type 2 diabetes. The body becomes less responsive to insulin as fat cells accumulate, leading to higher blood sugar levels. This condition can lead to long-term complications such as nerve damage, kidney failure, and vision problems.
  • Joint problems are another common concern for individuals with obesity. Extra weight puts unnecessary pressure on joints, particularly the knees, hips, and lower back. This can lead to conditions like osteoarthritis, causing pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. For people over 40, the risk of joint damage increases as the body's ability to repair cartilage decreases with age.
  • Sleep apnea is another serious condition commonly linked to obesity. Excess fat around the neck and throat can block airways, leading to breathing problems during sleep. This results in disrupted sleep patterns, daytime fatigue, and a higher risk of developing other health conditions, such as hypertension and heart disease.
  • In addition to physical health risks, obesity can also have a negative impact on mental well-being. People with obesity often experience emotional issues like depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, which can further hinder their efforts to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Recognizing these risks underscores the importance of addressing obesity after 40, not only for improving physical health but also for enhancing overall quality of life.

What is Obesity?

What is obesity? Obesity is identified when an individual's body mass index (BMI) is thirty or higher. Basically, the body mass index of a person is calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms (kg) by your height in meters (m) squared.
A BMI of thirty or higher indicates that the individual is considered obese.
An individual's weight status can be estimated using the chart below:
BMIWEIGHT STATUS
Below 18.5Underweight
18.5-24.9Normal
25.0-29.9Overweight
30.0-34.9Obese Class I
35.0-39.9Obese (Class II)
40.0 and higherExtremely Obese (Class III)

Causes of Obesity

The major cause of obesity is the excess calorie intake than such an individual burns. As a result, the body stores the excess in certain tissues leading to obesity. However, obesity has been known to be caused by several conditions as well as activities. These may be behavioral, genetic as well as hormonal effects. Basically, the major causes of obesity are:

Inactivity: An individual who isn't active deprives the body system from burning calories. However, with a sedentary way of life, there is high intake of high calories meals everyday without burning the calories via exercises as well as normal activities.

Unhealthy Eating Habits: For an individual who consumes more calories that he burns, tt is imperative to understand that weight gain is unavoidable.
When you're obese, your overall quality of life may be diminished. You may not be able to do things you used to do, such as participating in enjoyable activities. You may avoid public places. Obese people may even encounter discrimination.
Other weight-related issues that may affect your quality of life include:

  • Depression
  • Disability
  • Sexual problems
  • Shame and guilt
  • Social isolation
  • Lower work achievement

Causes of Obesity in Adults

In most cases however obesity is caused by consuming more calories than are burned. The main causes of obesity in adults are unique. Below is a look at four of the most common contributing factors that cause obesity to occur in the adult population.

Causes of Obesity in Adults
Causes of Obesity in Adults

Genetics

Everyone has that one friend who can eat whatever they want and never go up another pants size. This is due to genetics. Everyone is born with a unique metabolic rate. So, just how some people can eat whatever they want in vast quantities and not have to worry about a growing gut there are others who have to be more careful about the kinds of foods they consume as well as the quantities.

Because of the variance in metabolic rates in individuals it is important to know yours well in order to avoid over-eating. If ones metabolic rate is too low it may be a sign of thyroid issues and a doctor should be consulted in order to increase metabolism.

Portion Size

Since the 1970s the average portion size in restaurants and recipe books has grown. It is also continuing to grow which signals that obesity in adults is only going to become more of a problem. Some studies have shown men are more likely to finish what is put in front of them than women.

Due to this the increase in portion sizes affects men's obesity more. Even a slight increase in portion sizes will have a cumulative effect on weight over months and years.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle is another major cause of obesity in adults. Many men become inactive during their mid-twenties when they enter the work force. This causes the amount of calories they burn to go down. This is especially true for those males that work jobs where they are sitting for the majority of the time.

If you continue eating the same amount as you were before becoming less active weight and fat will slowly accumulate. A few pounds gained a year do not seem like much but it adds up and often leads to obesity and further medical complications. Lifestyle choices such as whether or not one participates in sports and outdoor recreational activities effects obesity.

Nutrition

With junk food and fast food being affordable and readily available it is no surprise that this is one of the leading causes of obesity in adults. Fast food is such a big contributing factor because it is packed full of calories and simple carbohydrates.

The high caloric content of these meals makes the food act on the pleasure centers of the brain making the consumer feel a sense of well-being. This is why binge eating of fast foods is a common phenomenon. Men should try to avoid junk foods and find a way to reduce appetite and decrease calories intake.

Obesity Management

Achieving obesity management goals is a very complex task. The most basic goal is to reduce body weight and promote healthy body composition by exercising, eating wholesome foods at a right quantity, and sleeping enough. Weight loss is achievable through many methods including diet and exercise.
Another challenge in obesity management is to reduce body fat. The goal is to lose the fat mass (body fat) that is more than three percent of lean body mass.
The challenge in the weight loss process is to achieve a good level of physical activity by including exercise in the day. To reach the goal, a person will need to learn to identify when and how to increase physical activity, and then to increase it to the highest level possible while avoiding all the potential negative consequences like heart rate and blood pressure.

Obesity Management
Obesity Management
While obesity is a complicated issue with multiple variables, such as gender, genetics, age and even nutrition, there's still one important variable that is common in all areas of life - calories. So how do you get started?

Calories in Obesity Management

Calories are critical! They determine the type of food you eat, the energy you expend and your body's response to exercise. Your goal is to create a healthy number of calories for you - this will be referred to as your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate). Your BMR is also measured even when you're healthy: you're not overweight or obese because you eat right.
Your basal metabolic rate will continue to increase over time if you eat appropriately. The goal varies depending on how much fat you have to lose, how lean you are, and to what intensity you are at your workouts.
The most common way to get started on calorie maintenance and weight loss is through an online calorie-tracking platform. You would start by creating a profile and logging your workouts and your activities. You'd then track your calories, and after a month or so, you'd check the results to see how you're doing.

Once a person has achieved this target number of weight loss, he needs to maintain his weight loss.

Obesity Management with Natural Supplements

Losing weight and creating a healthier lifestyle can be challenging. Diet plans can be boring and don't always provide what you need for success. But the most effective plan is one that is individualized.
Fortunately, natural products are able to help you manage your weight. Natural weight loss products can help you achieve your weight loss goals by managing your metabolism. They can help you keep excess calories from accumulating in your body and improve your health in the long term.
Efforts to manage weight, such as these natural weight loss products, take a lot of research and careful thought. The supplements are safe, and they can provide the benefits you are looking for. However, it is important to monitor them carefully to ensure you are getting the results you are hoping for.

Supplements for Weight Loss

There are several natural weight loss supplements that you can use in an effort to lose weight. These natural weight loss supplements have made a significant impact on people's lives and their weight loss efforts. They have been shown to provide effective weight loss results.

Herbal weight loss supplements have become popular due to their effectiveness. They provide the results you need without the side effects that come with conventional weight loss supplements. Many of these natural supplements are sold as dietary supplements. This means that they are meant to be taken as a part of a healthy diet.

Natural Obesity Treatment Pills: A Solution for Adults Over 40

For adults over 40, managing obesity can be especially challenging due to age-related metabolic changes. Traditional weight loss methods like strict dieting and intense exercise routines may not always be effective or sustainable. This is where natural obesity treatment pills can offer a viable solution, providing a safe and gentle way to support weight loss.

Obesity Supplements
Obesity Supplements

Ingredients in natural obesity treatment pills

Natural obesity treatment pills typically contain herbal ingredients known for their ability to boost metabolism, reduce appetite, and support fat burning. These ingredients are often free from harsh chemicals, making them a safer alternative to prescription medications. Common natural components include green tea extract, Garcinia Cambogia, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which have been shown to aid in weight loss by increasing fat oxidation and promoting a sense of fullness.

Metabolism regulation

One of the primary benefits of natural weight loss pills is that they can help regulate the body's metabolism. As people age, their metabolism tends to slow down, making it harder to burn calories effectively. Natural supplements can help kickstart metabolism, encouraging the body to burn more calories even at rest. This can be especially helpful for individuals over 40, who may find it harder to shed excess pounds due to a sluggish metabolism.

In addition, these supplements often provide energy-boosting benefits, which can help adults over 40 feel more motivated to engage in physical activity. Regular exercise is crucial for weight management, and natural weight loss pills can help increase energy levels, making it easier to stick to an exercise routine.

Another advantage of natural obesity treatment pills is their ability to help manage cravings and control appetite. Many weight loss pills contain ingredients that suppress appetite, reducing the likelihood of overeating and promoting portion control.

When combined with a balanced diet and regular physical activity, natural obesity treatment pills can provide adults over 40 with the extra support they need to manage weight effectively, improve overall health, and reduce the risk of obesity-related conditions.

Preventing Obesity in Adults Over 40

Preventing obesity is crucial for maintaining good health, especially after the age of 40 when metabolic changes can make weight management more difficult. While factors like genetics and hormones play a role, lifestyle choices are the most influential when it comes to preventing obesity. Adopting healthy habits early on can help reduce the risk and improve overall well-being.

  • One of the most effective ways to prevent obesity is by maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet. Focus on consuming whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, while limiting processed foods, sugary snacks, and high-fat items. These food choices help regulate blood sugar levels, control appetite, and provide the body with the nutrients it needs for energy and proper function. Additionally, portion control is key, as overeating, even healthy foods, can contribute to weight gain.
  • Regular physical activity is another cornerstone of obesity prevention. As we age, it's important to incorporate both aerobic exercises (like walking, cycling, or swimming) and strength training (such as weightlifting or bodyweight exercises). Strength training helps build muscle, which in turn boosts metabolism and increases calorie burn. Adults over 40 should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with two or more strength training sessions.
  • Sleep plays a critical role in weight management as well. Poor sleep can disrupt hormones that regulate hunger and appetite, leading to overeating and weight gain. Adults over 40 should prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support overall health and prevent obesity.
  • Managing stress is another factor often overlooked in preventing obesity. Chronic stress can trigger emotional eating and cravings for unhealthy foods. Practicing stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help curb these impulses and maintain a healthy weight.
By implementing these preventive measures, adults over 40 can protect themselves from obesity and the many associated health risks, promoting long-term wellness and quality of life.

Conclusion: How to Treat Obesity After 40

Obesity is a serious health condition that affects millions of adults, particularly those over 40. As we age, our metabolism naturally slows down, and maintaining a healthy weight becomes more challenging. However, by understanding the causes of obesity and taking proactive steps, it is possible to manage, treat, and prevent it effectively.

Adults over 40 are at higher risk for obesity-related health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, joint issues, and sleep apnea. These conditions not only lower quality of life but also increase the risk of serious long-term health complications. Recognizing these risks is an essential first step in addressing obesity and its impact on overall health.

Managing obesity involves a combination of lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and healthy sleep habits. While these habits are foundational, natural obesity treatment pills can offer additional support, particularly for individuals struggling to lose weight. These pills, often made from herbal ingredients, can help boost metabolism, control appetite, and enhance fat burning, making it easier for adults over 40 to shed excess pounds in a safe and effective manner.

Preventing obesity is equally important. By adopting healthy habits early on, such as eating a nutrient-rich diet, staying active, managing stress, and getting enough sleep, individuals can protect themselves from obesity and its associated risks. Prevention is often the most effective approach to ensure long-term health and well-being.

Ultimately, addressing obesity after 40 requires a holistic approach that combines lifestyle changes with additional support from natural treatments. By taking control of your health now, you can improve your quality of life, reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases, and enjoy a healthier future.

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