4 Underlying Conditions That Can Cause Obesity

Obesity is one of the leading health issues in the United States. It can cause many illnesses that affect not only one’s quality of life, but lifespan as well. Sometimes, obesity is caused by no apparent physical condition. This often makes it hard to treat proactively. If you have been struggling with obesity for a long time, doctors’ weight loss recommendations might fall on deaf ears. Before you can find a weight loss system that works for you, take a look at some common underlying causes of obesity.

1. Eating Disorders
   While eating disorders are generally symptomatic of yet another underlying condition, they are a prominent cause of obesity. Anorexia and bulimia are disorders associated with malnutrition, but there are other eating disorders that present with excessive eating habits. If you have trouble controlling your calorie intake, that could lead to obesity.
2. Alcohol
   Alcohol is the number one drug problem in America. There are many negative health effects associated with alcohol and obesity is one of them. The calorie content in alcohol is fairly high without nutritional value. Alcoholism can lead to a calorie surplus, which in turn can lead to obesity. Many doctors weight loss suggestions involve reducing alcohol consumption.
3. Drugs
   Certain medication can cause patients to gain weight. Antidepressants and steroids are common culprits of an unexpected increase in body fat. If you take these medications for an unrelated condition, they could be part of the reason for your weight gain.
4. Depression
   There are many studies that show a connection between obesity and diminished mental health capacity. Depending on the study, you might find that obesity causes or is caused by depression. Weight loss physicians are experienced in helping obese individuals track down the source of their weight issue. If you suffer from depression, talk to a doctor today.

Obesity is a difficult health problem to cope with. The best treatment advice is readily available, but difficult to execute. Diet plus exercise almost always equals weight loss. If you are having a hard time eating right and getting daily exercise, talk to a doctor about potential underlying conditions today.