A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop obesity with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing obesity. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your healthcare provider what you can do to reduce your risk.
Risk factors for obesity include:
Poor Diet
If you eat high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, you are likely to eat more calories than your burn each day, thus increasing your risk of becoming obese.
If you don’t get enough physical activity (exercise), you are likely to burn fewer calories than you eat each day, thus increasing your risk of becoming obese.
Working Varied Shifts
Working shifts at different times of the day and night increases your risk of becoming obese.
Medical Conditions and Medications
Certain medications, rare hereditary diseases, and hormonal imbalances (such as hypothyroid and Cushing’s disease) increase your risk of obesity.
Quitting Smoking
When you stop smoking your weight may increase. However, this tendency may be overcome by reducing calorie consumption and increasing physical activity. Overall, the health benefits of quitting smoking far exceed the risk of gaining weight.
Age
The incidence of obesity more than doubles between the ages of 20 and 55. However, this may be related to a decrease in activity levels.
A recent study found that within 30 years, over half of a large group of normal-weight men and women became overweight.
Genetic Factors
Specific, rare hereditary diseases may increase the risk of obesity. In addition, there seems to be a general tendency for obesity to run in some families, though the reason for this is not well understood.
Race
There is a higher incidence of obesity among certain races or ethnic groups. In the United States, obesity affects 66% of middle-aged black women and 68% of Mexican American women, compared with 45% of white women.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/.
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 14th ed. McGraw-Hill; 1998.
The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. 17th ed. Merck & Co.; 1999.
Vasan RS, Pencina MJ, Cobain M, Freiberg MS, D’Agostino RB. Estimated risks for developing obesity in the Framingham Heart Study. Ann Intern Med. 2005;143:473-480.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
