obesity causes thesis statement

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• v.64(3); 2023 Mar
• PMC10071857

The impact of obesity: a narrative review

Benjamin chih chiang lam.

1 Family and Community Medicine, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore

2 Integrated Care for Obesity and Diabetes, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore

Amanda Yuan Ling Lim

3 Singapore Association for the Study of Obesity, Singapore

4 Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore

Soo Ling Chan

5 Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Singapore

Mabel Po Shan Yum

6 Psychology Service, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore

Natalie Si Ya Koh

7 Department of Cardiology, National Heart Centre, Singapore

Eric Andrew Finkelstein

8 Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore

Obesity is a disease with a major negative impact on human health. However, people with obesity may not perceive their weight to be a significant problem and less than half of patients with obesity are advised by their physicians to lose weight. The purpose of this review is to highlight the importance of managing overweight and obesity by discussing the adverse consequences and impact of obesity. In summary, obesity is strongly related to >50 medical conditions, with many of them having evidence from Mendelian randomisation studies to support causality. The clinical, social and economic burdens of obesity are considerable, with these burdens potentially impacting future generations as well. This review highlights the adverse health and economic consequences of obesity and the importance of an urgent and concerted effort towards the prevention and management of obesity to reduce the burden of obesity.

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of obesity has increased significantly over the last two decades worldwide, including in Singapore, a multiethnic Southeast Asian country.[ 1 , 2 ] Recent national health surveys of adult Singaporeans suggest a continuation of this rising trend after a brief period of stabilisation.[ 3 ] Obesity, which is characterised by excessive adiposity, is not benign.

Obesity predisposes affected individuals to a large array of diseases that are often interconnected, leading to an increased risk of simple (two comorbid diseases) and complex (four or more comorbid diseases) multimorbidity in these individuals, when compared to people with healthy weight.[ 4 ] For example, in a large Finnish cohort of 114,657 people aged 16–78 years, with a mean follow-up of 12.1 years, people with obesity were five times more likely to develop simple multimorbidity and 12 times more likely to develop complex multimorbidity, with stronger associations found in people with more severe obesity.[ 4 ] This dose–response relationship between obesity and multimorbidity is also observed in other populations, including Asian populations.[ 5 , 6 ] In Singapore, the proportion of disability-adjusted life years, a composite measure of all health loss within a population, contributed by overweight and obesity, increased from 3.9% in 1990 to 6.4% in 2017, making it the fifth leading risk factor affecting health in Singapore.[ 7 ] Hence, obesity is a disease with a major negative impact on human health and has become a major global and regional health problem.

However, according to international surveys and interviews, people with obesity may not perceive their weight to be a significant problem,[ 8 ] with evidence also suggesting that less than half of patients with obesity are advised by their physicians to lose weight.[ 9 , 10 ] Hence, the purpose of this narrative review, as part of a series on obesity, is to highlight the importance of managing overweight and obesity by presenting and summarising the latest evidence on the adverse consequences and impact of obesity [ Figure 1 ]. The causal role of excess adiposity on obesity-related conditions (as established by the many epidemiological evidence already described in literature) will be explored. In addition, data from Singapore, if any, will be included in the review for each section, with the review on the economic burden of overweight and obesity focusing on Singapore.

Diagram shows a summary of the diseases and conditions associated with obesity and the potential impacts. *Supported by mendelian randomisation studies. T1DM: type 1 diabetes mellitus, T2DM: type 2 diabetes mellitus

EVIDENCE FOR CAUSAL ROLE OF EXCESS ADIPOSITY ON OBESITY-RELATED DISEASES

The hypertrophy of adipose tissue is associated with proinflammatory adipokine production and macrophage infiltration. In addition, the failure of adipose tissue to continually expand leads to lipotoxicity and ectopic fat deposition in lean tissues such as the heart, liver, pancreas and kidneys.[ 11 , 12 ] These phenomena contribute to a proinflammatory and insulin-resistant milieu and, together with increased mechanical stress due to increased adipose tissue mass,[ 11 , 13 ] are the main pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for the development of multiple medical conditions. Hence, there are reasonable pathways to link outcome to exposure (i.e. plausibility), one of the principles useful for establishing a causal relationship.[ 14 ]

This causal role of obesity is further supported by evidence from Mendelian randomisation (MR) studies. MR is an analytical technique involving genetic variants that are associated with exposures (risk factors such as obesity) as instrumental variables to investigate the effects of these exposures on an outcome of interest (e.g. a disease).[ 15 ] Since these genetic variants are fixed, randomly allocated at conception and temporally precede the outcome, MR is less likely to be subject to bias, confounding and reverse causation, which are frequent in conventional observational studies.[ 15 ] ’BMI’, ’obesity’, ’Mendelian randomisation’, ’Mendelian randomization’ and the outcome of interest (e.g. ’diabetes’) were used as search terms, and all studies relevant to this review were considered. These obesity-related diseases, with evidence for the causal role of obesity (plausible biological mechanisms and MR studies), and the various impacts of obesity will be discussed next.

Diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia and hypertension

As highlighted, obesity leads to insulin resistance. Additionally, elevated free fatty acid from the adipose tissues and ectopic fat deposition cause pancreatic β-cell dysfunction.[ 16 , 17 ] Hence, the various pathological mechanisms synergistically exacerbate the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In particular, visceral fat deposition plays an important role in the development of T2DM.[ 18 ] Hepatic fat worsens hepatic insulin resistance, while pancreatic fat affects insulin secretion and glucose tolerance.[ 18 ] In a meta-analysis of MR studies, genetically predicted higher body mass index (BMI) was consistently associated with T2DM, with a combined odds ratio (OR) of 2.03 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.88–2.19) per 1 standard deviation increase in BMI.[ 19 ] In Singapore, multiple observational studies confirm the increased risk of T2DM with increasing BMI in all major ethnic groups,[ 20 , 21 , 22 ] although there might be ethnic-specific sensitivity to the effects of increasing adiposity.[ 23 ]

There is also increasing evidence for the role of obesity in the increased incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), with studies from North America and the UK suggesting an increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in people with T1DM.[ 24 ] It has been hypothesised that obesity-induced insulin resistance may be responsible for the accelerated loss of pancreatic β cells through excessive stimulation[ 25 ] and a chronic proinflammatory state.[ 26 ] This causal role is supported by MR studies, although the evidence is not as consistent (compared to obesity and T2DM), with high heterogeneity between the studies.[ 19 ]

Obesity is associated with dyslipidaemia, which is characterised by increased triglycerides (TGs) and free fatty acids, decreased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) with HDL dysfunction and increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), in particular, small dense LDL-C, which is particularly atherogenic.[ 27 ] The underlying mechanisms involve hepatic fat accumulation, insulin resistance and chronic inflammation.[ 27 , 28 ] In a recent MR study based on participants from the UK Biobank, genetically predicted higher BMI was significantly associated with dyslipidaemia (low HDL-C levels).[ 29 ] In Singapore, in a multiethnic sample of 4,723 adult participants, elevated TG was more common in people with obesity, with the prevalence of elevated TG increasing with higher BMI and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR),[ 20 ] consistent with the evidence.

Hypertension is more than twice as prevalent in people with obesity compared to people with normal weight.[ 30 ] The mechanisms for obesity-induced hypertension are varied (involving adipokines, cytokines, free fatty acids, insulin, the rennin–angiotensin–aldosterone system) and interconnected, with the final common pathways being endothelial dysfunction, extracellular fluid overload and sympathetic nervous system activation.[ 30 , 31 ] Hence, obesity is an established risk factor for hypertension, and its causal role is supported by MR studies,[ 19 , 32 ] particularly that of higher adiposity with a more unfavourable metabolic profile (higher visceral and ectopic fat).[ 32 ] In Singapore, the increased prevalence of hypertension with higher BMI and WHR is consistent, especially in males.[ 20 ]

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which fat accumulates in the liver in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption. Genetic variants that increase hepatic fat content have been shown to be associated with increased liver enzymes, hepatocellular damage and fibrosis, suggesting that hepatic fat accumulation mediates the development of liver fibrosis, independent of inflammation.[ 33 ] Hence, NAFLD may lead to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and ultimately, cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma.

The prevalence of NAFLD has risen in tandem with the global epidemic of obesity, with NAFLD now being the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide.[ 34 ] A meta-analysis of MR studies confirms the causal effect of obesity on NAFLD,[ 19 ] with central adiposity (waist circumference) having the strongest relationship (OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.85–4.63) among the various obesity measures.[ 35 ] In Singapore, studies consistently show that participants with evidence of NAFLD have significantly higher BMI and waist circumference.[ 36 , 37 ]

Cardiovascular diseases

The association between obesity and increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, coronary heart disease and stroke has long been established.[ 38 ] For example, based on pooled data from 97 prospective cohort studies involving 1.8 million participants, the hazard ratio (HR) for each 5 kg/m 2 higher BMI was 1.27 (95% CI 1.23–1.31) for coronary heart disease and 1.18 (95% CI 1.14–1.22) for stroke after adjustment for potential confounders.[ 39 ] Additional adjustment for diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidaemia reduced the HRs to 1.15 (95% CI 1.12–1.18) and 1.04 (95% CI 1.01–1.08) for coronary heart disease and stroke, respectively, suggesting that 46% (95% CI 42%–50%) of the excess risk of BMI for coronary heart disease and 76% (95% CI 65%–91%) for stroke were mediated by these conditions,[ 39 ] which are common in people with obesity.[ 4 , 30 ]

Obesity itself leads to an increased risk of these cardiovascular events, likely via mechanisms such as the secretion of adipokines, proinflammatory cytokines and hypofibrinolytic factors, that together could lead to increased oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction resulting in atherosclerosis.[ 40 ] Additionally, excessive adiposity results in haemodynamic alterations via various neurohormonal and metabolic abnormalities, causing left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and subsequent dysfunction, leading to LV failure. LV failure, facilitated by pulmonary arterial hypertension from hypoxia due to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and/or obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), may subsequently lead to right ventricular failure.[ 41 ] This causal role of obesity is supported by multiple MR studies,[ 19 , 29 , 32 ] with the strongest association between BMI and heart failure, followed by BMI and coronary artery disease, then BMI and stroke.[ 19 , 32 ]

Another obesity-related cardiovascular disease is atrial fibrillation (AF), with evidence suggesting that obesity is an independent risk factor for AF, even after accounting for OSA.[ 41 ] Also, studies have demonstrated a strong graded association between higher BMI and the risk of persistent AF and higher BMI, with increased risk of postablation AF.[ 41 ] The mechanisms linking obesity and AF are complex and incompletely understood, with increased left atrial and ventricular abnormalities, altered haemodynamics, increased epicardial and pericardial fat, inflammation, and metabolic and neurohormonal abnormalities being the potential causal mechanisms.[ 41 ] This causal relationship is similarly supported by MR studies which consistently show that genetically predicted BMI is associated with AF.[ 19 , 32 , 42 ]

In Singapore, a longitudinal study involving 2,605 Chinese participants found that the adjusted HR for cardiovascular and stroke mortality was highest in the group with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 ) among those aged ≥65 years,[ 43 ] which is consistent with the association between obesity and increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases.

Obstructive sleep apnoea and hypoventilation syndrome

The increased intra-abdominal and intrathoracic pressure as a result of excessive adiposity impedes inflation of the lung, which can significantly affect the lung function, thereby leading to hypoventilation and ventilation–perfusion imbalance.[ 44 ] A constellation of obesity, daytime hypoventilation characterised by hypercapnia and hypoxaemia, and sleep-disordered breathing, without an alternative cause for hypoventilation, is known as OHS, with an estimated prevalence of 8%–20% in patients with obesity who were referred to sleep centres for evaluation of sleep-disordered breathing.[ 45 ]

The most common sleep-disordered breathing in such patients and people with obesity is OSA, as fat accumulation around the upper airways predisposes to the collapse of these airways.[ 44 ] About 50% of people with OSA have obesity, and approximately 40%–90% of people who are overweight suffer from OSA.[ 44 , 45 ] Consistent with epidemiological observations and genetic correlation (between OSA and BMI), an MR study shows that genetically predicted BMI is strongly associated with OSA, supporting the causal effect of BMI on OSA.[ 46 ] In Singapore, a study based on 587 Chinese participants reported that people with OSA had significantly higher BMI, and also BMI remained an important predictor of OSA after adjusting for hypertension and smoking,[ 47 ] in line with the overall evidence.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Obesity is strongly associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS),[ 48 ] which is characterised by reproductive dysfunction (oligo-amenorrhoea, infertility), hyperandrogenism (hirsutism, acne, androgenic alopecia and biochemical hyperandrogenism) and a polycystic ovarian morphology (high antral follicle counts or increased ovarian volume).[ 49 ] Up to 88% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese,[ 48 ] with a meta-analysis showing that women with obesity had a twofold to threefold higher risk for PCOS when compared to women without obesity.[ 50 ] The pathogenesis of PCOS involves primarily insulin resistance, with the ensuing secondary hyperinsulinaemia resulting in enhanced steroidogenesis in the ovaries, particularly androgen production.[ 48 ] Hence, the insulin-resistant milieu associated with obesity can lead to the development of PCOS. This causal effect of obesity on PCOS is supported by MR studies,[ 32 , 51 ] with one MR study suggesting that this effect is predominantly metabolic in nature.[ 32 ] In Singapore, a study based on a multiethnic population of 389 participants reported that women with PCOS had significantly higher BMI compared to women without PCOS,[ 52 ] consistent with the evidence.

Cognitive impact and dementia

Experimental studies have shown that cellular mechanisms such as oxidative stress and inflammation can affect the brain structure and function.[ 53 ] Obesity is an established risk factor for dementia,[ 54 ] and has been associated with cognitive impairment[ 55 , 56 ] and decreased grey matter volume linked with executive functioning.[ 53 , 57 ] However, while MR studies have found causal relationships between BMI and grey matter volumes,[ 58 ] evidence for BMI and dementia has so far not been significant.[ 32 , 58 , 59 ] In Singapore, a longitudinal analysis of 1,519 cognitively normal older persons (>55 years) of Chinese ethnicity showed that central obesity was associated with a higher risk of developing mild cognitive impairment,[ 60 ] consistent with the overall evidence that higher adiposity has a negative impact on the brain.

Chronic kidney disease

Excess adiposity results in pathological processes such as lipotoxicity, inflammation, oxidative stress and activation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, leading to glomerular and tubular injuries (obesity-induced nephropathy).[ 61 ] Multiple MR studies have confirmed this causal relationship between obesity and kidney disease,[ 32 , 62 , 63 ] including one study conducted in an East Asian population using BMI-associated variants validated in East Asia.[ 63 ] In Singapore, longitudinal gain in adiposity was associated with progressive renal decline in a prospective multiethnic cohort with T2DM, suggesting that increasing adiposity would lead to adverse renal outcomes over time.[ 64 ]

Obesity is known to be associated with 13 types of cancers: oesophageal adenocarcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, postmenopausal breast cancer, endometrial cancer, colorectal cancer, meningioma, multiple myeloma, and cancer of the gastric cardia, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, ovary and thyroid.[ 65 ] In Singapore, these obesity-associated cancers make up four out of the top five cancers affecting women (breast, colorectal, endometrial and ovarian) and two of the top five cancers affecting men (colorectal and liver).[ 66 ] Potential mechanisms of increased cancer risk in obesity include hyperinsulinaemia, chronic inflammation and oestrogen excess.[ 67 ] This causal role of obesity in cancer is supported by MR studies,[ 19 , 32 ] particularly for cancers of the digestive system, with all of them (oesophageal, colorectal, gastric, liver, gallbladder, pancreas) positively associated with genetically predicted BMI based on a meta-analysis of MR studies.[ 19 ]

Depression and anxiety

The prevalence of depression is much higher among people with obesity than that in the general population.[ 68 , 69 ] Similarly, anxiety occurs more frequently in people who are overweight or obese compared to people with normal weight, and the relationship is stronger among those who are more severely obese.[ 70 , 71 , 72 ] Research findings consistently show that people with obesity frequently suffer from psychological issues ranging from stress associated with weight-related issues, perceived weight discrimination and stigmatisation to body image dissatisfaction.[ 68 , 69 ] Additionally, there is evidence that the dysfunctional adipose tissues present in obesity result in metabolic abnormalities, such as altered glucocorticoid, adipokine, insulin, leptin and inflammatory signalling, which either directly or indirectly impact the control of emotions and mood.[ 73 , 74 ] Hence, the causal relationship between obesity and depression/anxiety is likely to have both psychological and biological components. This is supported by MR studies which demonstrate the relationship between genetically predicted BMI (and fat mass) and depression,[ 75 , 76 , 77 ] even when using a genetic instrument that omits the metabolic consequences of higher BMI.[ 75 ]

In Singapore, a study based on 83 patients with obesity at a weight management clinic reported that the prevalence of anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms was 28% and 11%, respectively,[ 78 ] suggesting that symptoms of depression and anxiety are highly prevalent in people with obesity in Singapore and are higher than the national prevalence of depression and anxiety,[ 79 ] consistent with international data.

Severe coronavirus disease-19

The dysfunctional physiological milieu of obesity has been associated with altered lymphoid tissue integrity, shifts in leukocyte populations and proinflammatory profiles, such that immune responses and pathogen defence are impaired.[ 80 ] This is demonstrated in previous influenza outbreaks[ 81 ] and the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, where obesity (high adiposity) is a major risk factor for severe COVID-19 (death and hospitalisation), as supported by multiple epidemiological studies worldwide[ 82 ] and MR studies[ 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 ] using data from the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative (an international collaboration that aims to uncover the genetic determinants of outcomes related to COVID-19 susceptibility and severity). In Singapore, where the COVID-19 mortality rate is low (<0.001),[ 87 ] a subgroup analysis of younger (<60 years) COVID-19 patients found that a BMI ≥25 kg/m 2 was significantly associated with the need for low-flow supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation,[ 88 ] consistent with observations internationally.

Other diseases

Other diseases with established epidemiological and strong MR evidence include asthma,[ 32 ] gastro-oesophageal reflux disease,[ 19 , 32 ] diverticular disease,[ 19 , 32 ] gallstone disease,[ 19 , 32 ] Crohn's disease,[ 19 , 89 ] osteoarthritis,[ 32 , 90 ] intervertebral degeneration (including back pain and sciatica),[ 91 , 92 ] peripheral arterial disease,[ 19 , 32 ] venous thromboembolism,[ 19 , 32 ] deep vein thrombosis,[ 19 , 32 ] aortic valve stenosis,[ 19 ] atopic dermatitis,[ 93 ] psoriasis,[ 32 ] gout[ 32 ] and rheumatoid arthritis.[ 32 ]

IMPACT ON MOTHER AND CHILD

Maternal obesity has been associated with adverse outcomes, including increased mortality, for both mother and child.[ 94 ] Mothers with obesity are more likely to develop pregnancy complications such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus and thromboembolic disease, with a higher risk of preterm delivery, caesarian section, stillbirth, intrauterine growth retardation and foetus that is large for gestational age.[ 94 , 95 , 96 ] In an MR study, genetically elevated maternal BMI was associated with higher offspring birthweight, supporting a causal relationship.[ 97 ] These adverse outcomes can lead to complications and disability, with increased birth weight being associated with childhood adiposity and metabolic disorders during life.[ 94 ] Hence, the impact of obesity may extend beyond the current generation (mother) to the next generation (child). In Singapore, findings from the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) study, a prospective mother–offspring birth cohort, showed that pre-pregnancy BMI and maternal obesity were associated with child size and adiposity[ 98 ] and childhood obesity,[ 99 ] respectively, confirming the generational impact of obesity.

PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT

Obesity negatively impacts health-related quality of life, with greater degrees of obesity associated with greater impairments.[ 100 , 101 , 102 ] While most individuals often report significant difficulties with physical and occupational functioning, many also experience problems with social functioning, such as social withdrawal[ 103 ] and social isolation.[ 104 ] This could be due to perceived negative attitudes and discrimination towards people with obesity, increased self-consciousness and self-blame for being overweight.[ 69 , 104 ] People with obesity, especially females, are often dissatisfied with their body image, which is exacerbated by society's expectation of thinness, with the degree of dissatisfaction positively correlated with the amount of excess weight.[ 102 , 105 , 106 ] Taken together, obesity can negatively impact an individual's self-esteem,[ 69 ] thereby affecting self-efficacy,[ 107 ] possibly resulting in a vicious circle and downward spiral.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

There are substantially higher healthcare utilisation and medical costs among people who are overweight or obese due to treatment of medical conditions caused by excess adiposity and for direct obesity treatments, which may include weight loss surgeries and medications.[ 108 ] In addition to direct medical costs, there is also an increase in indirect costs as a result of increased absenteeism (workdays missed due to illness or injury) and presenteeism (reduced productivity while working).[ 109 ]

The economic burden of overweight and obesity has been well described and quantified in North America,[ 108 , 110 ] Europe,[ 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 ] Brazil,[ 115 ] Australia,[ 116 , 117 ] China[ 118 ] and Saudi Arabia,[ 119 ] with an estimated cost of 0.8%–2.4% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019 based on eight countries.[ 120 ] As for Singapore, a recent study has attempted to quantify the economic burden of overweight and obesity.[ 121 ] Using econometric methods and cross-sectional data from the Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases (SEED) cohort, which includes measured height and weight, self-reported healthcare utilisation and absenteeism/presenteeism (based on a modified version of the Work Productivity Activity Impairment questionnaire), the incremental per capita and aggregate direct and indirect costs of excess weight among a multiethnic population of older adults (aged 40–80) were estimated.

Among Chinese, individuals who were overweight missed one additional workday per year compared to those who were of normal weight. Individuals in the obese category had SGD720 per year greater medical expenditures, but missed workdays were not statistically different from those in the normal weight category. Among Indians, differences were not significant between normal and overweight categories, but Indians in the obese category incurred an additional SGD310 per year in absenteeism costs than those of normal weight. For Malays, no significant differences by BMI category were identified.[ 121 ]

In aggregate, the predicted total medical expenditures attributable to overweight and obesity in Singapore were estimated to be SGD178 million, representing 1.6% of Singapore's total healthcare expenditures (SGD11,300 million in 2019). This figure is on the low end of published estimates, which range between 2.9% and 9.7% of the total healthcare spending.[ 121 ] Including absenteeism increases this estimate to SGD261 million, although this estimate is likely to be conservative because it does not include costs for presenteeism (reduced productivity while working), retraining, injuries or other costs resulting from excess weight in the workplace.[ 121 ] By ethnicity, Malays are responsible for 19% of the total costs of excess weight, even though they make up only 12% of the Singapore population.[ 121 ] This disproportionate burden is consistent with the disproportionately higher rates of overweight and obesity among Malays.[ 3 ]

LIMITATIONS OF REVIEW

First, this review discussed mainly the impact of adult obesity, with a focus on diseases that have shown a strong relationship with obesity, especially those supported by MR studies. Hence, the impact of paediatric obesity is not discussed and not all diseases have been covered. Second, not all the diseases supported by evidence from MR studies were discussed in detail. Nonetheless, they are listed in the section ’Other diseases’ and included in Figure 1 . Third, interventional studies which show significant weight loss-improving health outcomes were not discussed. These studies, by showing the positive impact of weight loss, would have further supported the negative impact of obesity. Lastly, while there are some MR studies based on Asian cohorts, the majority of MR studies were based on genetic data derived from individuals of European ancestry or large cohorts that were predominantly European. Hence, the inference of causality may be limited in non-European populations.

As discussed, obesity is strongly related to more than 50 medical conditions [summarised in Figure 1 ], with evidence from MR studies to support causality for many of these conditions. Based on the 2017 Global Burden of Diseases study, the top four causes (cardiovascular diseases, cancers, musculoskeletal disorders and mental disorders) of disability-adjusted life years in Singapore account for more than 50% of the total burden,[ 7 ] with many of the common conditions in these four causes related to obesity. Hence, the clinical, social and economic burdens of obesity are considerable, potentially impacting future generations as well. This review, therefore, highlights the importance of an urgent and concerted effort towards the prevention and management of obesity to reduce the burden of obesity.

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Obesity in America: Cause and Effect Essay Sample

It is clear that the American lifestyle has contributed to the increasing prevalence of obesity. With estimates from the Washington-based Centers for Disease Prevention in the Department of Health and Human Services indicating that one in three American adults is overweight, it is evident that the country is facing an obesity epidemic. To better understand the causes and effects of obesity, research is needed to further explore the issue. For those struggling with obesity, coursework assistance may be available to help them make the necessary lifestyle changes in order to live a healthier life.

Writing a thesis paper on the topic of obesity can be extremely challenging. It requires extensive research and time to adequately cover the subject. However, there are services available that can provide assistance with the writing process. Pay for a thesis allows for the benefit of having an experienced professional provide guidance and support throughout the entire process.

Causes of Obesity

Every phenomenon must have a reason. In order to write a cause and effect essay , you need to analyze the topic carefully to cover all aspects. Obesity is considered to be a complex illness, with a number of factors contributing to its development. These can be:

• hereditary;

As you may have guessed, it is the latter category of causes and effects that we are interested in. At this point, we care about the five ones that have made the biggest contribution.

Product Range

The main cause of obesity is junk food and an unbalanced diet rich in simple carbohydrates, fats, and sugars, plus a bunch of additives. Manufactured, processed, refined, and packaged meals are the most popular. Thanks to advances in technology, Americans have come to mass-produce meals that keep fresh longer and taste better. It takes less time to prepare unhealthy, processed foods in the microwave than it does to cook them yourself.

Lack of a work-life balance, high-stress levels, insufficient sleeping hours contribute to body weight gain. Not only do these factors contribute to this, but failing to take the time to do your homework can also have a negative impact on your physical health. Without a healthy, balanced approach to work, rest, and play, you may find yourself increasingly dependent on a sedentary lifestyle that can lead to overweight consequences. Many Americans work 50, 60, or more hours a week and suffer from a deficit of leisure hours. Cooking processed foods saves them hours and money, even though they end up costing them a lot more – by causing cardiovascular disease. In addition, obese people feel stressed on a regular basis in the United States metropolitan areas. Many of them are simply binge eating under the influence of negative emotions. Chronic overeating leads to a disturbance in the appetite center in the brain, and the normal amount of food eaten can no longer suppress hunger as much as necessary, affecting the body mass.

Food Deserts

The term ‘ food desert ‘ refers to poor areas (urban, suburban and rural) with limited access to fresh fruit, grains, and vegetables – places where it is much easier to access junk food. A grocery shop in a food desert that sells healthy foods may be 10-15 miles away, while a mini-market or cheap shop that sells harmful snacks is close to the house. In such a world, it takes much more effort to eat healthier, form eating habits, and stay slim.

Everyone’s Passion for Sweets

Consuming sweets in large quantities is addictive: the more and easier we give the body energy, the more the brain uses serotonin and dopamine to encourage it – it will make obese people want sweets again and again during the day. Cakes and pastries are fast carbohydrates that easily satisfy hunger and increase body mass. Despite the harm of sweets, obese people experience the need for them to satiate. Sweetened carbonated drinks are one of the main sources of sugar in the American diet. Moreover, some individuals may be more adversely affected by such diets than others: patients with a genetic predisposition to obesity gain body mass faster from sugary drinks than those without it. This leads to childhood obesity.

The Harm of Tolerance

Every year, the body positive movement is becoming more and more popular all over the world. It would seem that this major trend should have freed us from the problems associated with the cult of thinness and society’s notorious standards. In many ways, a positive attitude towards the body has proved fruitful. For example, the notion of beauty has clearly broadened. Now on fashion shows and magazine covers, you can see not only a girl with perfectly retouched skin and without a single hint of body fat but also an ordinary person with its inherent features: overweight, wrinkles, hair, and individual skin features. In general, all the things that we are all so familiar with in real life.

Does it really make that much sense? Is this a positive thing in terms of the cause and effect topic regarding obesity? In short, opinions are divided. Extremes aren’t easy to overcome. Not everyone manages to do it. Researchers have concluded that due to plus size having become positioned as a variant of the norm, more persons have become obese. Many obese Americans have formed the opinion that it is really quite normal, and they have become oblivious to the damage it does to their health. This is what we are going to focus on next.

Effects of Obesity

We all know that obesity is dangerous to health. However, medical studies show that most adults are unaware of the number of complications and diseases that obesity in America entails. So they are fairly comfortable with becoming gradually fatter. But indifference is replaced by concern when obesity related diseases begin to occur.

For interesting examples of students writing that also reveal the causes and effects of other phenomena, consult the custom essay service offering essays by professionals. In this way, you will realize the importance of highlighting the effects right after the causes.

Is obesity an aesthetic disadvantage, an inconvenience, a limitation in physical activity or is it an illness after all? How does it affect health, and what are the consequences? The visible signs of obesity are by no means the only complication associated with this condition. Obesity creates a high risk of life-threatening diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart attack, myocardial infarction, and kidney and liver problems. Moreover, it can also lead to disability.

Cardiovascular Disease

This is the most serious and damaging impact on the body and blood vessels in particular. Every extra kilo is a huge additional load on the heart. Obesity increases the risk of heart attacks. Experts from the American Heart Association have developed a paper on the relationship between obesity and cardiovascular disease, which discusses the impact of obesity on the diagnosis and outcomes of patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Childhood obesity aggravates the course of cardiovascular disease from a very early age. The fact that even kids and adolescents are obese is associated with high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia.

The result is excessive insulin production in the body. This, in turn, leads to an overabundance of insulin in the blood, which makes the peripheral tissues more resistant to it. As a consequence of the above, sodium metabolism is disturbed, and blood pressure rises. It is important to remember that excessive carbohydrate food intake leads to increased production of insulin by the pancreas. Excess insulin in the human body easily converts glucose into fat. And obesity reduces tissue sensitivity to insulin itself. This kind of vicious circle leads to type 2 diabetes.

Effects on Joints

Obesity increases the load on joints to a great extent, especially if one undergoes little or no physical activity. For instance, if one lives in a megalopolis, where all physical activity consists of getting off the sofa, walking to the car, and plumping up in an office chair at work. All this leads to a reduction in muscle mass, which is already weak, and all the load falls on the joints and ligaments.

The result is arthritis, arthrosis, and osteochondrosis. Consequently, a seemingly illogical situation is formed – there is practically no exercise, but joints are worn out harder than in the case of powerlifters. In turn, according to a study by the University of California, reducing body weight reduces the risk of osteoarthritis.

Infertility

In most cases, being obese leads to endocrine infertility, as it causes an irregular menstrual cycle. Women experience thyroid disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, problems with conception, and decreased progesterone hormone. Obese men are faced with erectile dysfunction, reduced testosterone levels, and infertility. It should be noted that the mother’s obesity affects not only her health but also the one of her unborn child. These children are at higher risk of congenital malformations.

Corresponding Inconveniences

Public consciousness is still far from the notion that obese people are sick individuals. The social significance of the issue is that people who are severely obese find it difficult to get a job. They experience discriminatory restrictions on promotion, daily living disadvantages, restrictions on mobility, clothing choices, discomfort with adequate hygiene, and sexual dysfunction. Some of these individuals not only suffer from illness and limited mobility but also have low self-esteem, depression, and other psychological problems due to involuntary isolation by watching television or playing video games. Therefore, the public has to recognize the need to establish and implement national and childhood obesity epidemic prevention programs.

Society today provokes unintentional adult and childhood obesity among its members by encouraging the consumption of high-fat, high-calorie foods and, at the same time, by technological advances, promoting sedentary lifestyles like spending time watching television or playing video games. These social and technological factors have contributed to the rise in obesity in recent decades. Developing a responsible attitude towards health will only have a full impact if people are given the opportunity to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. At the level of the community as a whole, it is therefore important to support people in adhering to dieting recommendations through the continued implementation of evidence-based and demographic-based policies to make regular physical activity and good nutrition both affordable and feasible for all. It is recommended to cut down on the food consumed.

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Obesity Essay

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

Obesity Essay: A Complete Guide and Topics

By: Nova A.

11 min read

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Aug 31, 2021

Are you assigned to write an essay about obesity? The first step is to define obesity.

The obesity epidemic is a major issue facing our country right now. It's complicated- it could be genetic or due to your environment, but either way, there are ways that you can fix it!

Learn all about what causes weight gain and get tips on how you can get healthy again.

On this Page

What is Obesity

What is obesity? Obesity and BMI (body mass index) are both tools of measurement that are used by doctors to assess body fat according to the height, age, and gender of a person. If the BMI is between 25 to 29.9, that means the person has excess weight and body fat.

If the BMI exceeds 30, that means the person is obese. Obesity is a condition that increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and other medical conditions like metabolic syndrome, arthritis, and even some types of cancer.

Obesity Definition

Obesity is defined by the World Health Organization as an accumulation of abnormal and excess body fat that comes with several risk factors. It is measured by the body mass index BMI, body weight (in kilograms) divided by the square of a person’s height (in meters).

Obesity in America

Obesity is on the verge of becoming an epidemic as 1 in every 3 Americans can be categorized as overweight and obese. Currently, America is an obese country, and it continues to get worse.

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Causes of obesity

Do you see any obese or overweight people around you?

You likely do.

This is because fast-food chains are becoming more and more common, people are less active, and fruits and vegetables are more expensive than processed foods, thus making them less available to the majority of society. These are the primary causes of obesity.

Obesity is a disease that affects all age groups, including children and elderly people.

Now that you are familiar with the topic of obesity, writing an essay won’t be that difficult for you.

How to Write an Obesity Essay

The format of an obesity essay is similar to writing any other essay. If you need help regarding how to write an obesity essay, it is the same as writing any other essay.

Obesity Essay Introduction

The trick is to start your essay with an interesting and catchy sentence. This will help attract the reader's attention and motivate them to read further. You don’t want to lose the reader’s interest in the beginning and leave a bad impression, especially if the reader is your teacher.

A hook sentence is usually used to open the introductory paragraph of an essay in order to make it interesting. When writing an essay on obesity, the hook sentence can be in the form of an interesting fact or statistic.

Head on to this detailed article on hook examples to get a better idea.

Once you have hooked the reader, the next step is to provide them with relevant background information about the topic. Don’t give away too much at this stage or bombard them with excess information that the reader ends up getting bored with. Only share information that is necessary for the reader to understand your topic.

Next, write a strong thesis statement at the end of your essay, be sure that your thesis identifies the purpose of your essay in a clear and concise manner. Also, keep in mind that the thesis statement should be easy to justify as the body of your essay will revolve around it.

Body Paragraphs

The details related to your topic are to be included in the body paragraphs of your essay. You can use statistics, facts, and figures related to obesity to reinforce your thesis throughout your essay.

If you are writing a cause-and-effect obesity essay, you can mention different causes of obesity and how it can affect a person’s overall health. The number of body paragraphs can increase depending on the parameters of the assignment as set forth by your instructor.

Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that is the crux of its content. It is necessary to write an engaging topic sentence as it helps grab the reader’s interest. Check out this detailed blog on writing a topic sentence to further understand it.

End your essay with a conclusion by restating your research and tying it to your thesis statement. You can also propose possible solutions to control obesity in your conclusion. Make sure that your conclusion is short yet powerful.

Obesity Essay Examples

Essay about Obesity (PDF)

Childhood Obesity Essay (PDF)

Obesity in America Essay (PDF)

Essay about Obesity Cause and Effects (PDF)

Satire Essay on Obesity (PDF) 

Obesity Argumentative Essay (PDF)

Obesity Essay Topics

Choosing a topic might seem an overwhelming task as you may have many ideas for your assignment. Brainstorm different ideas and narrow them down to one, quality topic.

If you need some examples to help you with your essay topic related to obesity, dive into this article and choose from the list of obesity essay topics.

Childhood Obesity

As mentioned earlier, obesity can affect any age group, including children. Obesity can cause several future health problems as children age.

Here are a few topics you can choose from and discuss for your childhood obesity essay:

• What are the causes of increasing obesity in children?
• Obese parents may be at risk for having children with obesity.
• What is the ratio of obesity between adults and children?
• What are the possible treatments for obese children?
• Are there any social programs that can help children with combating obesity?
• Has technology boosted the rate of obesity in children?
• Are children spending more time on gadgets instead of playing outside?
• Schools should encourage regular exercises and sports for children.
• How can sports and other physical activities protect children from becoming obese?
• Can childhood abuse be a cause of obesity among children?
• What is the relationship between neglect in childhood and obesity in adulthood?
• Does obesity have any effect on the psychological condition and well-being of a child?
• Are electronic medical records effective in diagnosing obesity among children?
• Obesity can affect the academic performance of your child.
• Do you believe that children who are raised by a single parent can be vulnerable to obesity?
• You can promote interesting exercises to encourage children.
• What is the main cause of obesity, and why is it increasing with every passing day?
• Schools and colleges should work harder to develop methodologies to decrease childhood obesity.
• The government should not allow schools and colleges to include sweet or fatty snacks as a part of their lunch.
• If a mother is obese, can it affect the health of the child?
• Children who gain weight frequently can develop chronic diseases.

Obesity Argumentative Essay Topics

Do you want to write an argumentative essay on the topic of obesity?

The following list can help you with that!

Here are some examples you can choose from for your argumentative essay about obesity:

• Can vegetables and fruits decrease the chances of obesity?
• Should you go for surgery to overcome obesity?
• Are there any harmful side effects?
• Can obesity be related to the mental condition of an individual?
• Are parents responsible for controlling obesity in childhood?
• What are the most effective measures to prevent the increase in the obesity rate?
• Why is the obesity rate increasing in the United States?
• Can the lifestyle of a person be a cause of obesity?
• Does the economic situation of a country affect the obesity rate?
• How is obesity considered an international health issue?
• Can technology and gadgets affect obesity rates?
• What can be the possible reasons for obesity in a school?
• How can we address the issue of obesity?
• Is obesity a chronic disease?
• Is obesity a major cause of heart attacks?
• Are the junk food chains causing an increase in obesity?
• Do nutritional programs help in reducing the obesity rate?
• How can the right type of diet help with obesity?
• Why should we encourage sports activities in schools and colleges?
• Can obesity affect a person’s behavior?

Health Related Topics for Research Paper

If you are writing a research paper, you can explain the cause and effect of obesity.

Here are a few topics that link to the cause and effects of obesity.Review the literature of previous articles related to obesity. Describe the ideas presented in the previous papers.

• Can family history cause obesity in future generations?
• Can we predict obesity through genetic testing?
• What is the cause of the increasing obesity rate?
• Do you think the increase in fast-food restaurants is a cause of the rising obesity rate?
• Is the ratio of obese women greater than obese men?
• Why are women more prone to be obese as compared to men?
• Stress can be a cause of obesity. Mention the reasons how mental health can be related to physical health.
• Is urban life a cause of the increasing obesity rate?
• People from cities are prone to be obese as compared to people from the countryside.
• How obesity affects the life expectancy of people? What are possible solutions to decrease the obesity rate?
• Do family eating habits affect or trigger obesity?
• How do eating habits affect the health of an individual?
• How can obesity affect the future of a child?
• Obese children are more prone to get bullied in high school and college.
• Why should schools encourage more sports and exercise for children?

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Topics for Essay on Obesity as a Problem

Do you think a rise in obesity rate can affect the economy of a country?

Here are some topics for your assistance regarding your economics related obesity essay.

• Does socioeconomic status affect the possibility of obesity in an individual?
• Analyze the film and write a review on “Fed Up” – an obesity epidemic.
• Share your reviews on the movie “The Weight of The Nation.”
• Should we increase the prices of fast food and decrease the prices of fruits and vegetables to decrease obesity?
• Do you think healthy food prices can be a cause of obesity?
• Describe what measures other countries have taken in order to control obesity?
• The government should play an important role in controlling obesity. What precautions should they take?
• Do you think obesity can be one of the reasons children get bullied?
• Do obese people experience any sort of discrimination or inappropriate behavior due to their weight?
• Are there any legal protections for people who suffer from discrimination due to their weight?
• Which communities have a higher percentage of obesity in the United States?
• Discuss the side effects of the fast-food industry and their advertisements on children.
• Describe how the increasing obesity rate has affected the economic condition of the United States.
• What is the current percentage of obesity all over the world? Is the obesity rate increasing with every passing day?
• Why is the obesity rate higher in the United States as compared to other countries?
• Do Asians have a greater percentage of obese people as compared to Europe?
• Does the cultural difference affect the eating habits of an individual?
• Obesity and body shaming.
• Why is a skinny body considered to be ideal? Is it an effective way to reduce the obesity rate?

Obesity Solution Essay Topics

With all the developments in medicine and technology, we still don’t have exact measures to treat obesity.

Here are some insights you can discuss in your essay:

• How do obese people suffer from metabolic complications?
• Describe the fat distribution in obese people.
• Is type 2 diabetes related to obesity?
• Are obese people more prone to suffer from diabetes in the future?
• How are cardiac diseases related to obesity?
• Can obesity affect a woman’s childbearing time phase?
• Describe the digestive diseases related to obesity.
• Obesity may be genetic.
• Obesity can cause a higher risk of suffering a heart attack.
• What are the causes of obesity? What health problems can be caused if an individual suffers from obesity?
• What are the side effects of surgery to overcome obesity?
• Which drugs are effective when it comes to the treatment of obesity?
• Is there a difference between being obese and overweight?
• Can obesity affect the sociological perspective of an individual?
• Explain how an obesity treatment works.
• How can the government help people to lose weight and improve public health?

Writing an essay is a challenging yet rewarding task. All you need is to be organized and clear when it comes to academic writing.

• Choose a topic you would like to write on.
• Organize your thoughts.
• Pen down your ideas.
• Compose a perfect essay that will help you ace your subject.
• Proofread and revise your paper.

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As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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Obesity - Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to an extent that it may have a negative effect on health. Essays on obesity could explore its causes, the health risks associated, and the societal costs. Discussions might also revolve around various interventions to address obesity at an individual and community level. We have collected a large number of free essay examples about Obesity you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Problem: Childhood Obesity in America

As you've probably heard, more children are becoming overweight today in America than ever before. Experts are calling this an "obesity epidemic." To first understand childhood obesity we must ask ourselves what is obesity? Obesity is a diet-related chronic disease involving excessive body fat that increases the risk of health problems. Many doctors have expressed obesity has an increasing problem in today's youth as obesity can lead to many health issues such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart […]

Childhood Obesity Parents are the Blame

In current years, children becoming more obese in their entire childhood development has become common. Obesity in children could be due to various reasons such as family structure, busy family life experienced in the modern days, and insufficient knowledge of foods containing high calories. Parents ought to be accountable for what they do or fail to do that amounts to a negative influence on their children's weight and cause them to be overweight or obese during their childhood period. When […]

Social Media and Body Image Essay

Have you ever looked in the mirror and said something negative about yourself? According to the Merriam Webster dictionary body image is, ""a subjective picture of one's own physical appearance established both by self-observation and by noting the reactions of other. Negative body image and low self-esteem are real problems and I want to discover the causes, how much of a factor social media is, and ways that people can get help to move past it. Many people see things […]

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Childhood Obesity – Causes and Potential Long-Term Effects

Abstract There is growing concern about the state of children’s health. Every year there is an increase in the number of overweight and obese children. What causes this and what does it mean for them long-term? There are many contributing factors to children’s weight issues. Some of these factors are limited access to healthy food, more time spent in front of a screen, and less physical activity. Long-term health affects include a rising risk of Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart […]

How are Fast Food Advertising and Childhood Obesity Related

By 1950s, fast food industry boom was in full swing. It was secured in 1951. In the 1950s, McDonald has become a staple of the American diet. Fast food restaurants have been grown more and more and by now, there are over one hundred and sixty thousands fast food restaurants in the United States, becoming a one hundred and ten billion dollar industry. One can’t deny that fast food has become really important in American life nowadays. Whether Americans are […]

History of Type II Diabetes

Type II Diabetes Abstract This paper explores the disease Type II Diabetes and the many components it has. Type II Diabetes affects many people around the world, but is different than most diseases because it is not transferred by genetics. This form of diabetes is brought upon by unhealthy lifestyle choices which makes it unique because living a healthier life can make it go away. When Type II Diabetes affects someone, they are not able to control their blood sugar […]

Childhood Obesity is an Epidemic in the USA

Introduction Childhood obesity has become an epidemic in the United States and other western industrialized societies. "Childhood obesity affects more than 18 percent of children in the United States, making it the most common chronic disease of childhood" (Obesity Action Coalition). According to the OAC, the percentage of children suffering from childhood obesity has tripled since 1980. A child is considered obese if their body mass index for their age is greater than 95 percent. Childhood obesity is both an […]

Childhood Obesity Today

In America, childhood obesity is on a rise today. Children can gain obsessive weight because of environmental factors. Vending machines, low cost on snacks, and a increase in the fast food chain are contributing factors towards obesity. Genetics can also play a part in childhood obesity. Many children come from a generation of overweight families. Most parents don't see the harm in letting their children gain tons of weight. Obesity can cause many health problems. Childhood obesity affects the health […]

History and Types of Diabetes

The first sign of diabetes was discovered in 1500 B.C.E by the Egyptians. According to one study, ancient Indians were familiar with the condition and had even determined two types of the condition. They called it "honey urine" and tested for it by determining if the ants were drawn to the urine. The first mention of the word diabetes was by the Greeks. It means "to go through", it was named this because of its main symptom: the excessive passing […]

Childhood Obesity in the American Nation

Childhood obesity is still rising in this nation. One out of three Americans is obese. The outlook for children is not much better, as adolescent obesity has quadrupled over the last thirty years. "As of 2012, almost 18 percent of children aged 6-11 years were obese" (Newman, 1). Despite the considerable public awareness of the negative impacts of obesity, this challenge persists. The situation for youngsters is hardly brighter; over the last few decades, the rate of youth obesity has […]

The Causes and Preventions of Childhood Obesity

When trying to find out if a child is considered for obesity, they need to have a body mass index that is between the ranges of the 85th percentile and the 95th percentile. When speaking about childhood obesity it is for children between the ages of infancy and early adulthood which is eighteen years of age. Obesity is one of the most preventable diseases especially if caught early enough. There are many different reasons for the cause of childhood obesity, […]

Risk Factors from Alzheimer’s Disease

About 40 million people are affected by dementia, with the majority of these individuals being over the age of 60. This number is expected to double in the next 20 years, reaching around 80 million by 2050. Approximately 60-70% of all dementia cases are caused by Alzheimer's disease, affecting between 2.17 and 4.78 million people. Out of those, 46% have a moderate or severe form of the disease. It is estimated that by 2050, between 7.98 and 12.95 million people […]

Tackling Childhood Obesity in Rural Mississippi

Childhood obesity is a growing health issue in the United States. Children with higher Body Mass Indexes than the recommended by the National Institutes of Health are more prone to adverse health effects later in life. Obesity in early age can translate into adulthood and increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes (Franks 2010). The highest rates of childhood obesity can be observed in the southeastern corner of the United States, Mississippi, in particular, with the highest prevalence […]

Childhood Obesity: Global Epidemic and Ethical Concerns

Abstract Numbers continue to climb for those who have childhood obesity. This serious issue has been brought to the attention of the public who have been taking preventative measures and action in hopes to reduce the number of cases. In a number of countries, public policies have been implemented to prevent obesity. However, in the U.S. efforts made are not enough or have not been effective to stop the obesity rate from increasing. Proposals for solutions to this health problem […]

Obesity in Childhood

There are numerous issues that society faces on a daily basis. One of the issues that society faces is obesity. It is one of the leading risks of death and has been ongoing since the 1960s and 1970s. Obesity is an issue that continues to grow not only in the United States but also in developing countries as well. Not only does obesity affect adults but it has become a serious issue for children. According to an article, "approximately 12.7 […]

Childhood Obesity, a Crisis that could be Cure

Obesity is a crisis that is affecting many countries, their most vulnerable citizens being children. Bad eating habits, high calorie intake, genetics, and lack of activity or exercise are some of the elements that, either combined or individually, are the cause for childhood obesity in America, Latin America, and many other nations. In the United States, rural areas have higher rates of childhood obesity, as do Hispanics and Blacks (Davis 2011). Keywords: Obesity, Childhood. Childhood Obesity, a Crisis that could […]

Impact Media on Eating Disorders

With all of our current understanding so far we can see how much of an impact media has on triggering eating disorders. Research has only just begun to analyze the relationship between social media outlets such as facebook, body image and symptoms of eating disorders. Facebook is available at the fingertips of most adolescents today which allows them easy access to seek social comparison and negative feedback. Therefore it is an essential area to examine in relation to eating disordered […]

Factors that Influence Childhood Obesity

The cause of pediatric obesity is multifactorial (1). There is not a single cause, nor solution, found that leads to all cases of pediatric obesity. Parental discipline in regard to the child is not proven to lead to less adiposity or obesity in children. Parental feeding strategy may actually be a cause of obesity with restrictive approach to food by the parent shown to increase the proclivity for the restricted foods (2). Likewise, when parents allowed their children to have […]

Childhood Obesity and Physical Activity

Most children and teens have access to a tablet, smartphone, television, laptop or a video console. They are sitting around on-screen time more and more as the days go by. Research from the CDC states obesity has nearly doubled since the 1970s in the United States. It is estimated now that 20 percent of children and adolescents are affected by obesity. Too much screen time, the accessibility to the internet and not enough physical activity are the biggest reasons the […]

What is Childhood Obesity?

Introduction Childhood obesity has become a widespread epidemic, especially in the United States. Twenty five percent of children in the United States are overweight and eleven percent are obese (Dehghan, et al, 2005). On top of that, about seventy percent of those children will grow up to be obese adults (Dehgan, et al, 2005). There are many different causes that can be attributed to the childhood obesity. Environmental factors, lifestyle preferences, and cultural environment play pivotal roles in the rising […]

Child and Adolescent Obesity in the United States

Child and adolescent obesity in the United States has nearly tripled sincethe 70s. About 1 out of every 5 children suffer from childhood obesity. It is the duty ofmothers and fathers to prevent and find solutions to child and adolescent obesity. Thispaper will seek to explain the many causes and current results which parents can execute.Child and adolescent obesity comprises of several likely causes such as poor diet and lowphysical activity including numerous adverse effects. Therefore, changes in familyhousehold structures […]

Childhood Maltreatment and Substance Abuse

Including in the article of the topic and discerning the studies to steer readers to be educated on the broad input of childhood maltreatment possibly going hand and hand with abuse of substances. In surrounding this topic, you can pull out the gist of all the studies and background information to bring a responsible observation that is proven. That which is humans who are brought into or raised into a childhood maltreatment experience such as, emotional or physical neglect along […]

Childhood Obesity and Adolesence

Childhood obesity can be prevented in many ways. Parents are the main ones with a say so on obesity. They allow their children to digest all kinds of bad foods. Parents should introduce on a daily basis different kinds of healthy foods. They should also promote is by showing children how healthy food are good for the body. You have some children that won’t eat healthy things because of the color and the way it looks. Obesity is one of […]

A Big Problem – Bad Healthcare is Aiding Childhood Obesity

A study done in 2002 found that, almost 14 million children are obese, that is 24 percent of the U.S. population from ages 2 to 17. This number just keeps rising as the years go by. Some people would argue that the increasing numbers are due to sugary dinks and foods sold in vending machines at schools, or not enough healthy food options. Other parties can argue that this number keeps increasing because of bad healthcare and not enough opportunities […]

Childhood Obesity Rate Can be Decreased

Child obesity has become a major concern as it continues to increase every year in the US. Many parents are uneducated about the risks of childhood obesity. Parental awareness and increasing physical activity are steps towards making a change in the rates of childhood obesity. There are many side effects of childhood obesity that can obstruct a child’s future. However, positive changes to children’s health can be achieved through the influence of adults. Child obesity has become a more critical […]

Is Obesity a Problem?

Is Obesity a Problem? Have you ever wondered how dysfunctional obesity can be for a person? What impact does it make on health and personal life? Usually, a person who has not encountered this problem rarely thought about it. You can watch TV shows about people overweight just for entertaining or laugh at a friend who got overweight without understanding the importance of this problem. Personally, I did not understand the seriousness of the situation in which an overweight person […]

Diabetes and Renal Failure

Diabetes and Renal Failure Introduction This is a research article about prevalence of renal failure and its early detection among patients who have long standing diabetes mellitus. End stage renal disease significantly increases the risk of death and requires expert health care. Although diabetes is the most predominant cause of chronic renal disease, maximum individuals with diabetes are not investigated based on national guidelines. Chronic kidney disease warrants improved detection using standardized criteria to improve outcomes. Proper screening of diabetic […]

Mental Health and Obesity

The obesity rate in America is at an all-time high, and it seems there is no end in sight. Obesity not only affects adults, but children as well. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines obesity as “Weight that is higher than what is considered as a healthy weight for a given height.” (CDC, 2016) Soccer not only improves physical health and lessens obesity, but also mental health. Working out at least once a day makes a person […]

Poverty and Obesity

It is a known fact that the individual exert influences on the environment and vice versa. However, no man is an Island and as such, these influences reflect through various levels of social and interpersonal relationships. The social environment of the individual include interaction with peers, friend and family members, through such mechanism as role modeling, social support and social norms (Mary, Karen, Ramona, Karen .Annu. Rev. Public Health 2008.Creating Healthy food and Eating Environments, para 2). The physical environment […]

Childhood Obesity a Serious Problem in the USA

Childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States. Obesity is condition in which a child is significantly overweight for his or her age and height. It is a very common condition and is estimated to have around 3 million cases in the United States each year. Every day more children are getting diagnosed with obesity, and some as young as 4 years old. When a child gets diagnosed with obesity at a young age, it can be very […]

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How To Write an Essay About Obesity

Understanding obesity.

Before writing an essay about obesity, it's crucial to understand what obesity is and its implications. Obesity is a medical condition characterized by an excess accumulation of body fat, often defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. It is not just a cosmetic concern but a complex health issue associated with various diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Start your essay by outlining the causes of obesity, which may include genetic factors, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, and environmental and psychological factors. Discuss the global prevalence of obesity and its rise in recent decades, indicating a significant public health concern.

Developing a Thesis Statement

A strong essay on obesity should be centered around a clear, concise thesis statement. This statement should present a specific viewpoint or argument about obesity. For instance, you might discuss the societal factors contributing to the rise of obesity, analyze the effectiveness of current interventions and policies, or argue the need for a multifaceted approach to tackle this health issue. Your thesis will guide the direction of your essay and ensure a structured and coherent analysis.

Gathering Supporting Evidence

To support your thesis, gather evidence from a variety of sources, including medical studies, public health reports, and statistical data. This might include data on obesity rates in different populations, research on the health risks associated with obesity, or studies evaluating the effectiveness of diet and exercise programs. Use this evidence to support your thesis and build a persuasive argument. Be sure to consider different perspectives and address potential counterarguments.

Analyzing the Impact of Obesity

Dedicate a section of your essay to analyzing the impact of obesity. Discuss the physical health consequences, such as increased risk of chronic diseases, as well as the psychological and social implications, including stigma and reduced quality of life. Consider the economic burden of obesity on healthcare systems and society. This analysis should provide a comprehensive understanding of the far-reaching effects of obesity.

Concluding the Essay

Conclude your essay by summarizing the main points of your discussion and restating your thesis in light of the evidence provided. Your conclusion should tie together your analysis and emphasize the significance of addressing obesity as a critical public health issue. You might also want to suggest areas for future research or propose potential strategies to combat the obesity epidemic.

Reviewing and Refining Your Essay

After completing your essay, review and edit it for clarity and coherence. Ensure that your arguments are well-structured and supported by evidence. Check for grammatical accuracy and ensure that your essay flows logically from one point to the next. Consider seeking feedback from peers, healthcare professionals, or educators to further refine your essay. A well-written essay on obesity will not only demonstrate your understanding of the issue but also your ability to engage with complex health and societal challenges.

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• Published: 07 May 2024

Epidemiology and Population Health

Obesity: a 100 year perspective

• George A. Bray   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-9945-8772 1  

International Journal of Obesity ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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• Biological techniques
• Health care
• Weight management

This review has examined the scientific basis for our current understanding of obesity that has developed over the past 100 plus years. Obesity was defined as an excess of body fat. Methods of establishing population and individual changes in levels of excess fat are discussed. Fat cells are important storage site for excess nutrients and their size and number affect the response to insulin and other hormones. Obesity as a reflection of a positive fat balance is influenced by a number of genetic and environmental factors and phenotypes of obesity can be developed from several perspectives, some of which have been elaborated here. Food intake is essential for maintenance of human health and for the storage of fat, both in normal amounts and in obesity in excess amounts. Treatment approaches have taken several forms. There have been numerous diets, behavioral approaches, along with the development of medications.. Bariatric/metabolic surgery provides the standard for successful weight loss and has been shown to have important effects on future health. Because so many people are classified with obesity, the problem has taken on important public health dimensions. In addition to the scientific background, obesity through publications and organizations has developed its own identity. While studying the problem of obesity this reviewer developed several aphorisms about the problem that are elaborated in the final section of this paper.

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Bray, G.A. Obesity: a 100 year perspective. Int J Obes (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-024-01530-6

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What Is the Cause of Rising Obesity in the America Essay

Introduction. thesis statement, the reasons for rising obesity in america, chemicals become the components of the healthy food, secondary causes of overweight, conclusions. thesis restatement, works cited.

Over the past fifty years, the number of fat children that will become overweight adults has grown exponentially. Among all countries, the United States has the biggest rate of obesity. “While many other countries have experienced significant increases in obesity, no other developed country is quite as heavy as the United States” (Cutler, Glaeser, and Shapiro 93). The proclamation of adiposity as a national “obesity epidemic” is not an overstatement. Among the main reasons for overweight are abundant portions, an increase of junk food, lack of sleep, even air-conditioning. All of them are well known, but not deeply explored. Moreover, the latest researches show that not all of the above listed provoke obesity. The increase of obesity in America turned into an epidemic, because of abundant food consumption and physical inactivity, resulting in the growth of sick people over the past half-century.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is the fundamental measure of overweight. BMI is the ratio of weight in kilograms to the height in meters squared. “Optimal BMI levels are generally believed to lie between 20 and 25” (Cutler et. al 95). If the BMI level is less than 20, the person is considered thin. The ratio between 25 and 30 shows an overweight. The BMI 30 reveals obesity.

Most agree that there are two main reasons for getting overweight: lack of physical activity and excessive consumption of food. The deficiency of energy balance causes fatness. Energy balance consists of absorbed and burned energy. The calories consumed transform into energy. The energy used for everyday life maintenance is burned energy. Elementary energy accounting explains the mechanism of getting overweight. The balance of calories consumed must be equal to or less than the energy used. There are three common ways of burning calories: metabolism, digesting, and physical activity. The basal metabolism consumes around 60 percent of the energy to keep the body alive. Digesting also requires some amount of energy for food processing. The third way of burning calories is physical activity. Here the first contradiction comes.

According to the latest researches, the average American exercises more than people used to do in the 60s, the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables has grown due to the decrease in prices. But, “the prevalence of obesity has increased rapidly over the last decades” (Sturm and An 338). According to the above, the lifestyle and the diet became healthier, but still the “obesity epidemic” is growing. The explanation of this conflict gives the production industry. The usage of various chemicals impacts the rate of overweight. One of these chemicals is now known as an obesogen. The term obesogen was firstly implemented in 2005 by Dr. Bloomberg and applied to the different chemicals (Henig par. 7). The obesogens are working in three different ways depending on the particular body. Firstly, it changes the number of fat cells, or adipocytes, as well as a fat storage capacity. Secondly, it affects metabolism by decreasing the number of burned calories. And, thirdly, obesogen influences a feeling of fullness and hunger. Unfortunately, avoiding obesogens is almost impossible. The products of everyday life, such as shampoos, detergents, scented candles, are full of this chemical. Even leafy vegetables, which are among the healthiest food, are often treated with substances that can cause adiposity.

In his researches, Dr. Bloomberg fed a mouse with a dose of chemical and found that its offsprings are with greater fat storage than the offsprings of a mouse with a ration without chemicals. Moreover, this pathology was observed even in the second and third generations of an obese mouse. Thus, the scientist made a conclusion “once it’s in the great-grandchildren, it’s permanent” (qt. in Henig par. 10). Obesogens are highly dangerous for the fast-growing body affecting both the fetus in the womb and the infants. If an insignificant dose of chemical leads to the genetic changes of descendants, obesity can be considered as genetic heredity. Notwithstanding, there is no officially confirmed evidence related to the people. “While a person may have a genetic predisposition toward a certain body type, the fact that each succeeding generation is heavier than the last proves that changes in our environment are playing the key role” (Griffin par. 7). An author explains that the way of modern life minimized the amount of physical activity but increased the amount of junk food in the human diet.

Besides primary causes of obesity, there are several minors. The impact of chemicals has been already discussed above. But there are other reasons, including an inactive lifestyle, a variety of fast-food restaurants, and an environment, which causes obesity. Modern conveniences along with comfort brought a problem of overweight. Instead of going to work on foot Americans use cars. The deficiency of physical education in schools resulted in the growth of a number of fat children. People, who consume many calories per day without doing any sports are more likely to have certain health problems than those who include activities in their everyday life. The reasons for an inactive lifestyle, besides the obvious personal habits, also include external obstacles. Thus, the lack of parks, sidewalks, and gyms complicates the possibility of doing activities.

Another reason for growing obesity is an oversized portion. Americans got used to unlimited food consumption. In restaurants, fast food places, in the supermarkets, even at home people eat much more than needed for keeping optimal energy balance. Eventually, the overabundance of consumed calories together with physical inactivity causes significant weight gain. Even lack of sleep increases the risk of adiposity. Sleeping fewer hours than needed leads to hormonal metabolism. As a result, the level of hormone, which handles the feeling of hunger, ghrelin, decreases. Furthermore, the lack of sleep increases the sugar level in the blood causing sugar diabetes.

The next cause of obesity refers rather to the economic and geographic situation than to social. Food became more affordable, according to the analysis of senior economists from Illinois University. “Americans now have the cheapest food in history when measured as a fraction of disposable income. In the 1930s, Americans spent one-quarter of their disposable income on food, dropping to one-fifth in the 1950s” (Sturm and An 342). Indeed, it resulted in abundant consumption of both healthy and junk food. David M. Cutler with colleagues came to a similar conclusion related to time. “Reductions in the time cost of food preparation should lead to an increase in the amount of food consumed” (Cutler, Glaeser, and Shapiro 107). On the other hand, there are particular urban areas, “food deserts”, where people have no selection of healthy food. But they are still prone to obesity. It means that the availability of attractive fresh products does not relate to obesity. The consumption of junk food, instead of fresh fruits and vegetables, as it is recommended by nutritionists, not yet guarantees the obeseness.

The excessive intake of calories and lack of physical activity are the only causes of obesity. The same conclusion was made by Roland Sturn and Ruopeng An: “preventing obesity is not about eating more food, regardless of how many nutrients it provides, but consuming less energy or expending more” (343). Another misconception is the idea that low-fat food cannot cause obesity. As the Doctor of Medicine noticed, “people took the low-fat message and decided that it meant that as long as they ate things that were low-fat, they could eat as much as they wanted” (qt. in Griffin par. 14). Unfortunately, there is an essential shortcoming in this theory as it does not take into account the number of calories consumed. Some low-fat snacks, introduced as a dietary product, have more calories than their original equivalent.

In the 60s years of the twentieth century, an average American weighted 1.2 times less than now. The weight increase, which has been observed before, was considered as a health increase while now it is recognized as health reduction. Nowadays, the level of obesity is much higher than medical institutions determined and keeps rising. Due to changes in nutrition and the modern inactive lifestyle, the increase of obesity in America turned into an epidemic. The prevention of obesity is much easier than the follow-up treatment of disease caused by being overweight. Sometimes, only two changes in the lifestyle, a decrease of calories consumed together with some sports activities, are the clues to a happy and healthy life.

Cutler M., David, Glaeser L., Edward and Jesse M. Shapiro. “Why Have Americans Become More Obese?” Journal of Economic Perspectives 17.3 (2003): 93-118. Print.

Griffin R., Morgan. n.d. Obesity Epidemic “Astronomical”. n.d. Web. 2015.

Henig, Robin 2013, What’s Making America So Fat? Web. 2015.

Sturm, Roland and Ruopeng An. “Obesity and Economic Environments”. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians 64.5 (2014): 337-350. Print.

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IvyPanda . "What Is the Cause of Rising Obesity in the America." January 26, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/what-is-the-cause-of-rising-obesity-in-the-america/.