Obesity Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Obesity - Research Paper Example The physical disadvantages of being obese are even more severe. The condition significantly lowers life expectancy and is linked to at least 300,000 deaths of in the U.S. alone each year. It also diminishes the quality of life. Obese persons suffer many more types of physical problem than others including bones and joints and the back region. They also are more lethargic than persons who are not obese. Approaching pandemic proportions, obesity is the source of many varied and hazardous health consequences thus understanding the factors that cause the condition and understanding the most feasible treatment options offered are of paramount importance in the fight against this crippling condition. Genetics significantly influences the chances of a person becoming obese. Those who are genetically predisposed to being obese have more difficulty losing weight and sustaining a healthy body mass. Inactivity, overeating and eating foods high in fat content, in addition to socioeconomic and metabolic circumstances, endocrine ailments, diseases, and certain medications can also contribute appreciably to obesity. Some people are just born to be big. Studies have confirmed that about half of overweight kids have parents who are or were overweight. Heredity also plays a role as to where a person carries their excess weight on their body, whether on the hips or belly. A person’s metabolism is a term that describes to how efficiently a persons body uses energy. Hormonal balances and metabolic levels vary widely among individuals. Both factor considerably in controlling weight. â€Å"Recent studies show that levels of ghrelin, a peptide hormone known to regulate appetite, and other peptides in the stomach, play a role in triggering hunger and producing a feeling of fullness† (â€Å"Overview of Obesity†, 2009). Studies have also