Causes of obesity

Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2012 Published online: 18 March 2012

Abdom Imaging (2012) 37:730732 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-012-9862-x

Abdominal

Imaging

Causes of obesity

Suzanne M. Wright, Louis J. Aronne

Comprehensive Weight Control Program, Weill-Cornell Medical College/New York Presbyterian Hospital, 1165 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity has been rising steadily over the last several decades and is currently at unprecedented levels: more than 68% of US adults are considered overweight, and 35% are obese (Flegal et al., JAMA 303:235241, 2010). This increase has occurred across every age, sex, race, and smoking status, and data indicate that segments of individuals in the highest weight categories (i.e., BMI > 40 kg/m2) have increased proportionately more than those in lower BMI categories (BMI < 35 kg/m2). The dramatic rise in obesity has also occurred in many other countries, and the causes of this increase are not fully understood (Hill and Melanson, Med Sci Sports Exerc 31:S515S521, 1999).

Key words: ObesityEtiologyWeight managementCauses of obesityBariatric surgery

The prevalence of obesity has been rising steadily over the last several decades and is currently at unprecedented levels: more than 68% of US adults are considered overweight, and 35% are obese [1]. This increase has occurred across every age, sex, race, and smoking status, and data indicate that segments of individuals in the highest weight categories (i.e., BMI > 40 kg/m2) have increased proportionately more than those in lower BMI categories (BMI < 35 kg/m2). The dramatic rise in obesity has also occurred in many other countries, and the causes of this increase are not fully understood [2].

Although obesity is most commonly caused by excess energy consumption (dietary intake) relative to energy expenditure (energy loss via metabolic and physical activity), the etiology of obesity is highly complex and includes genetic, physiologic, environmental, psychological, social, economic, and even political factors that interact in varying degrees to promote the development of obesity [3].

The food, or built environment has shifted in ways that promote overeating: highly caloric and fat-laden foods are not only affordable but also easily accessible(i.e., numerous fast food restaurants, vending machines of energy dense items in schools and ofces, etc.). These highly palatable foods are frequently available in large portions, which contribute to increased daily caloric intake...