The causes of obesity

[andyswarbs]

In the thread I created "what limits are thre to what a plant based diet can cure" healthunlocked.com/healthye... and intense debate ensued around the causes of obesity. This is a big subject and I think it deserves its own thread. So here is my initial take on the subject.

Obesity runs in families. This is partly because genes give a propensity for some people to put fat on, but I think more common is children eat what their parents give them, and they in turn feed their children similar foods.

Obesity has little to do with exercise. Yes exercise is critical to good health and can help you become trim. But exercise alone will solve nothing.

Obesity is due to eating too many calories. This for sure is true for the vast proportion of people. There may be a small group of people who are obese for medical reasons, but they are the exception. Reducing calories however is not an entire answer and can be the wrong answer.

Obesity is not driven by carbs, per se. Though it can be driven by an excess of carbs.

Obesity is not driven by oils, per se. Though it can be driven by an excess of oils. Btw, by oils I also means fats since a fat is a solid oil at room temperature.)

Obesity is caused by not getting a complete set of nutrients. The body has a basic set of nutrients that it needs. Shortage of any one of those will cause you to want to eat more.

Obesity can be caused by the body not metabolising foods properly. Even if you are eating the right fooods, if your body is not digesting effectively then it could be continually short of certain nutrients. This could mean you are always wanting more food to try to correct the problem.

Obesity is not caused by a lack of will-power. If your gut is saying you are short of nutrients then you will need more food. It is up to you to choose foods with the right nutrients that you are short of.

Obesity is driven by Salt, Sugar and Oils. We all love a pudding, and one that is high in these three ingredients is going to be devoured time and time again. That short term pleasure is at the expense of obesity. The body totally craves Salt, Sugar and Oils. Understanding this fundamental truth will help you on your road to better health.

[suramo Star]

One view on oil.Healthy oils do not cause obesity if used judiciously.Excess calories with Excess amount of refined carbs alone or with oils are the causes. High refined / processed carbs increase hunger and every time there is craving for sugary foods.