OBESITY

Obesity, or too much body fat, has become a serious health threat for women at every stage of life.  It is linked as a serious factor in more than 30 conditions that effect women.

As the prevalence of obesity has grown significantly, obesity has become the second largest cause of preventable death in the United States, following tobacco.

Today's children and young adults are on track to mature into the most obese generation, creating pressure on the health care system to deal with fat related disease. 

Research being done to understand the effect of obesity on women and its treatment.

1. DIET

Science has found that diets high in fat, salt and sugar (like fast food diets) are directly linked to obesity.

That doesn’t mean that all obese people have “fast food” diets, but it does indicate that if you have a fast food diet, you are very likely to have significant weight issues. Science has also linked portion size to obesity.

In many cases, people that typically eat oversized portions at meal time will be at a higher risk for obesity.

2. GENETICS

Unfortunately, some of us have a family history of chronic illness, and obesity can be one of them. People with slower metabolisms can find weight loss and maintenance more difficult than an average person.

If you inherit a sluggish metabolism, insulin insensitivity or even diabetes, you are in a higher risk category for obesity and need medical, and possibly dietary, intervention early on to prevent obesity.

3. lACK OF EXERCISE

Another scientific link to obesity is a lack of physical exercise. That does not mean you must have a strict daily workout schedule to keep from becoming obese; it means that a sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity.

You have to spend a majority of your day moving instead of sitting (at computers, in front of the tv, playing video games. etc.). If you are someone that rarely takes the stairs, never walks further than the car to the door and has no outdoor hobbies, you’re probably leading a sedentary lifestyle.

4. MEDICAL ABNORMALITIES

Frequently, otherwise healthy people will suddenly start to gain weight rapidly, without deviating from their normal diet or exercise routine. That could be a sign of a medical problem (like hyperthyroidism or diabetes) or a hormone imbalance. Under those circumstances, you should consult a physician immediately.