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Before joining the team in 2015, Yvette studied languages and linguistics, qualified as a teacher, and went on to teach English, mostly on government sponsored projects across the globe. Her main specialty areas were health communications, writing teaching texts and manuals, and creating online courses. 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His work experience includes orthopedic physical therapy, sports medicine, neurological rehab, advanced assessment and treatment of running injuries, and advanced treatment of the pelvic complex, spine, and extremities.</span></p>\n<p><strong>Education</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">University of Delaware, BS</span></li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">University of St. Augustine, DPT</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong>Certifications</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Licensed Physical Therapist, State of California</span></li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Licensed Physical Therapist, State of New Jersey</span></li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR Certification</span></li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong>Professional Accomplishments</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Completed a course/certification on advanced evaluation and treatment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)</span></li>\n</ul>\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Greg-Minnis-New-Headshot-500x500-Bio.png"}}],"id":"mnt-805099","updateReason":[],"editor":"Shannon Ullman","factCheckedBy":"","factCheckers":[],"articleHistory":{"2018-11-02":{"updateReason":[],"authors":"Yvette Brazier","editor":"Yvette Brazier","medicallyReviewedBy":"Katherine Marengo, LDN, RD"},"2021-04-19":{"updateReason":[],"authors":"Yvette Brazier","editor":"Shannon Ullman","copyEditor":"Jasmin Collier","medicallyReviewedBy":"Gregory Minnis, DPT"}},"articleDates":{"factChecked":{"date":null,"display":""},"medicallyReviewed":{"date":1618790400,"display":"April 19, 2021"},"published":{"date":1541142000,"display":"November 2, 2018"},"lastUpdates":{"date":1618790400,"display":"April 19, 2021"},"modified":{"date":1622139326,"display":"May 27, 2021"}},"type":"healthfeature","language":"en"},"cesData":{"metaDescription":"Obesity refers to when a person is carrying excess weight. 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Is this a real concern, and if so, how can a person maintain their muscle mass on GLP-1 drugs?"},{"title":"Can developing type 2 diabetes before age 50 raise dementia risk?","link":"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-developing-type-2-diabetes-before-age-50-raise-dementia-risk","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/diabetes-dementia-GettyImages-1735045910-Thumb.jpg","summary":"Getting diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before the age of 50 may increase one's risk of developing dementia by 1.9 times, a new study has found."},{"title":"Craving fatty foods when stressed? Cocoa may offset impact","link":"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/craving-fatty-foods-when-stressed-cocoa-may-offset-impact","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/mug-cocoa-732x549-thumbnail.jpg","summary":"A flavonoid found in cocoa drinks could help reduce recovery time from stress even when a person reaches for unhealthy fatty foods, a recent study has found."},{"title":"Staying fit may lower dementia risk even in those genetically predisposed","link":"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/staying-fit-may-lower-dementia-risk-even-in-those-genetically-predisposed","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/cardiorespiratory-fitness-GettyImages-1369193071-Thumb.jpg","summary":"High cardiorespiratory fitness could help lower a person's risk of dementia even if they are genetically predisposed to it, a recent study has found."},{"title":"Daily walk may prolong lifespan","link":"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/daily-walk-may-prolong-lifespan","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/man-walking-red-hedge-732x549-thumbnail.jpg","summary":"Every additional hour of walking per day could add up to 6 hours to a person's life, a recent study suggests, emphasizing the importance of staying active."}],"infiniteScroll":true,"infScrollArticles":[{"title":["The numbers behind obesity"],"text":["What are the numbers behind obesity in the U.S. and globally? This article looks at statistics for adult and childhood obesity and associated health…"],"link":"/articles/319902","imageAlt":"The numbers behind obesity","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/Numbers-Lit-Bingo-732x549-Thumbnail.jpg","medicallyReviewedBy":{"reviewerName":"Daniel Bubnis, M.S., NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS","reviewerImage":{"path":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/12/DanielBubnis.png","width":200,"height":200,"altText":""},"specialties":["fitness"]},"isNutrition":false,"authors":[{"id":877,"name":{"display":"Tim Newman","first":"Tim","last":"Newman"},"userLogin":"timnewman","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"https://ter.li/xggewa","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/tim-newman","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"Senior News Editor","bio":{"text":"<p>After completing a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience at the U.K.’s University of Manchester, Tim changed course entirely to work in sales, marketing, and analysis. Realizing that his heart truly lies with science and writing, he changed course once more and joined the Medical News Today team. As Senior News Editor, Tim led our team of top notch writers and editors, who report on the latest medical research from peer reviewed journals; he also penned a few articles himself. Tim is now an Editor at <a title=\"Original URL: https://joinzoe.com/learn/tim-newman. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fjoinzoe.com%2Flearn%2Ftim-newman&data=05%7C01%7Csobrien%40rvohealth.com%7C49c921b73e2e49cf008808db68f2b566%7C00e1df3d9626410c898c16aaa8c2afc9%7C0%7C0%7C638219163901861911%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8N2Xq5Y4jzUdFiwjuortxcIzIzYGqplT%2FB4YT%2BuSNB8%3D&reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"Verified\" data-loopstyle=\"linkonly\" data-linkindex=\"0\">ZOE</a>.</p>\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/500x500_Tim_Newman.png"}}],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"},{"title":["What are the benefits of eating healthy?"],"text":["A healthy diet has many benefits, including a reduced risk of various diseases and health conditions, improved mood, and better memory. Learn more…"],"link":"/articles/322268","imageAlt":"What are the benefits of eating healthy?","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/GettyImages-1247033916_thumb-732x549.jpg","medicallyReviewedBy":{"reviewerName":"Angelica Balingit, MD","reviewerImage":{"path":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/Angelica_Balingit_500x500_Med_Reviewer_Photos_v2.png","width":200,"height":200,"altText":""}},"isNutrition":false,"authors":[{"id":1091,"name":{"display":"Cathleen Crichton-Stuart","first":"Cathleen","last":"Crichton-Stuart"},"userLogin":"ccrichton","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/cathleen-crichton-stuart","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"<p>Cathleen grew up in the U.K., then moved to Australia, and now lives in New Zealand. With a serious love of books but no real plan, she found her niche in life after two degrees, a bachelor’s in the arts and a bachelor’s in nutrition. Currently, Cathleen works as a sports nutritionist, combining her two passions, sports and food, for her own company therealhealth.co. When not working or writing, she is probably running, hiking hills, skiing mountains, or cooking with wine.</p>\n<p><strong>To keep up with Cathleen, visit her <a class=\""button_followrel="noopener\" href=\"//therealhealth.co/"\" target=\""_blanktitle="Follow\">website</a>.</strong></p>\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/12/author-placeholder.jpg"}}],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"},{"title":["How to follow a healthy diet"],"text":["The most healthy diet involves eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods from all major food groups. Learn about healthy diets and tips here."],"link":"/articles/153998","imageAlt":"How to follow a healthy diet","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/GettyImages-634758077_thumb-732x549.jpg","medicallyReviewedBy":{"reviewerName":"Amy Richter, RD","reviewerImage":{"path":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Amy-Richter-500x500-Bio.png","width":200,"height":200,"altText":""}},"isNutrition":false,"authors":[{"id":899,"name":{"display":"Jamie Smith","first":"Jamie","last":"Smith"},"userLogin":"asmith","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/jamie-smith","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"<p>Jamie is a writer, editor, and researcher with a PhD in psychology, with main interests including mental health advocacy, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, and trauma-informed practice. Jamie believes in the healing power of breaking down stigma and the importance of validating people’s lived experiences.</p>\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/MNT-Bio1-500x500-1.png"}}],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"},{"title":["What to know about obesity in Down syndrome"],"text":["A person who has Down syndrome may be more likely to have obesity than a person who does not have Down syndrome. Learn more here."],"link":"/articles/obesity-in-down-syndrome","imageAlt":"What to know about obesity in Down syndrome","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/obesity-Down-GettyImages-961334746-Thumb.jpg","isNutrition":false,"authors":[{"id":1589,"name":{"display":"Anna Smith Haghighi","first":"Anna","last":"Smith Haghighi"},"userLogin":"annasmith","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/anna-smith","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"<p>Anna Smith Haghighi lives in Bangor, Northern Ireland, with her husband and their greyhounds Django and Zola. She found a passion for writing when creating content for various clients as part of an SEO company. Along the way, Anna has been a film and television extra, half of a singing duo, and a team member of the Belfast Eye. These days, Anna is more likely to be walking her dogs or playing a Zelda game for the millionth time.</p>\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/06/Anna-Smith-500x500-Bio.png"}}],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"},{"title":["What to know about obesity and erectile dysfunction"],"text":["Research suggests that obesity is a potential causes of erectile dysfunction (ED). For people with obesity, losing weight may help improve erectile…"],"link":"/articles/obesity-and-erectile-dysfunction","imageAlt":"What to know about obesity and erectile dysfunction","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/obesity-erectile-obesity-erectile-GettyImages-2151884803-Thumb.jpg","isNutrition":false,"authors":[{"id":1000,"name":{"display":"Charlotte Lillis","first":"Charlotte","last":"Lillis"},"userLogin":"clillis","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/charlotte-lillis","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"<p>Charlotte is a freelance writer and editor. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with cognitive science from the University of Sussex in the U.K. Charlotte has worked as a research scientist investigating human and animal behavior in four different research groups across the U.K. She has now taken up writing full-time. Aside from communicating science, Charlotte enjoys composing music and makes stage props for television and theater productions.</p>\n<p><strong>To keep up with Charlotte, follow her on <a class=\""button_followrel="noopener\" href=\"//twitter.com/CV_Lillis"\" target=\""_blanktitle="Follow\">Twitter</a>.</strong></p>\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/500x500_Charlotte_Lillis.png"}}],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"}],"hidePlacements":[],"userPreloadDrivers":{"headerNewsletter":{"_driverPath":"/articles/323551","_contentIndex":"page","driverId":"ff4ad816-143d-4c2a-968c-ea480f595bfe","siteId":"40fa3d40-7108-11ea-a8fe-ab86e8b4e4d7","site":"mnt","status":"on","deleted":false,"overridePredictiveRPM":false,"created":"2022-12-19T15:45:12.000Z","updated":"2024-11-21T20:59:41.000Z","createdBy":"liallison@redventures.com","updatedBy":"eprater@rvohealth.com","isTest":true,"overridePredictiveRPMType":"none","sdapiTestName":"","rewardType":"","modelType":"","customModel":false,"holdout":"","imageMobile":"https://post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2ppuDefaultDesktop.jpg","color":"#3D5191","driverTypeId":"1ed6a315-4241-4254-92ae-17d0570ee038","sailthruAccount":"mnt","source":"menu_newsletter_link","titleOverride":"“You are my favorite medical source online”","callToAction":"Join us","id":"63422538-0caf-42be-8262-7835128de6ef","trackingNumber":39685,"adTagIds":["5bfa54a0-cb61-11ea-841d-230b5918b98d"],"articlePlacement":"headerNewsletter","image":"https://post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2ppuDefaultDesktop.jpg","secondarySubscriptionSubhead":"Other newsletters you won’t want to miss:","titleOverrideMobile":"“You are my favorite medical source online”","secondaryNewsletters":[],"descriptionModal":"Join the thousands who trust MNT for accurate, timely medical information. 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data-adbridg-ad-class="dlb1" data-ad="true" class="css-1jpwf16"></div></div></aside></div><aside data-testid="mobile-leaderboard" class="css-pdceuf"><div class="css-11egx89"><button class="icon-hl-close-thick css-1pr9u9e"></button><div data-empty="true" class="css-1fteite"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="mlb1__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="mlb1" data-ad="true" class="css-bcus5s"></div></div></div></aside><div data-placement="subheader"></div><div><div class="css-m260rd"><div data-article-body="0" class="css-blwnmv"><div class="css-z468a2"><h1>What is obesity, and what causes it?</h1><div data-preamp="social-proof-lessons"></div><div data-testid="byline"><section data-testid="byline" class="css-19y29pm"><div class="css-1q67gt9"><div class="css-1edxg1f"><img src="//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Greg-Minnis-New-Headshot-500x500-Bio.png?w=105&h=105" alt=""/></div></div><div><span><span><a class="css-90fpmc css-ro87dg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Medically reviewed</a> by <a class="css-90fpmc css-ro87dg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gregory Minnis, DPT</a>, <span>Physical Therapy</span></span></span> — <span><span><span><span>Written by <a class="css-90fpmc css-ro87dg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Yvette Brazier</a></span></span></span></span> — <a class="css-90fpmc css-ro87dg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span> Updated on April 19, 2021</span></a></div></section></div><div><nav id="tab-bar-0" data-testid="tab-bar" class="css-11tsida"><ul class="css-17ztj4b"><li class="css-t753mo"><a href="#too-many-calories" class="css-1a4mqop">Too many calories</a></li><li class="css-t753mo"><a href="#sedentary-lifestyle" class="css-1a4mqop">Sedentary lifestyle</a></li><li class="css-t753mo"><a href="#lack-of-sleep" class="css-1a4mqop">Lack of sleep</a></li><li class="css-t753mo"><a href="#endocrine-disruptors" class="css-1a4mqop">Endocrine disruptors</a></li><li class="css-t753mo"><a href="#medications" class="css-1a4mqop">Medications</a></li><li class="css-t753mo"><a href="#is-obesity-self-perpetuating" class="css-1a4mqop">Is obesity self-perpetuating?</a></li><li class="css-t753mo"><a href="#obesity-gene" class="css-1a4mqop">Obesity gene</a></li><li class="css-t753mo"><a href="#summary" class="css-1a4mqop">Summary</a></li></ul></nav><article class="article-body css-d2znx6 undefined"><div class="css-12va8w7"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><div><p class="css-4aeg3z">Obesity is a condition that occurs when a person has excess weight or body fat that might affect their health. A doctor will usually suggest that a person has obesity if they have a high body mass index (BMI).</p></div></div><div><div><figure class="css-yhe8zq"><span class="css-rwmw5v"><span class="css-mjp0j9"><picture class="css-16pk1is"><source srcSet="//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/GettyImages-1271322243_header2-1024x575.jpg?w=1575 750w" media="(min-width: 1190px)"/><source srcSet="//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/GettyImages-1271322243_header2-1024x575.jpg?w=1575 750w" media="(min-width: 990px)"/><source srcSet="//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/GettyImages-1271322243_header2-1024x575.jpg?w=1845 879w" media="(min-width: 768px)"/><img src="//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/GettyImages-1271322243_header2-1024x575.jpg?w=1155&h=1528" alt="" class="css-1jytyml"/></picture></span><hl-share-overlay class="css-18moxll"><a class="icon-hl-pinterest css-ps2kh1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" data-event="Any Page|Image Pinterest Click|Icon Clicked" data-element-event="OPEN|CONTENTBLOCK|Any Page|Article Body|BUTTON|Image Widget Pinterest Click|" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2F323551&media=https%3A%2F%2Fpost.medicalnewstoday.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F3%2F2021%2F04%2FGettyImages-1271322243_header2-1024x575.jpg&description=Obesity%3A%20What%20is%20it%2C%20and%20what%20causes%20it%3F" title="Share on Pinterest" data-pin-custom="true" data-share-url="https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/GettyImages-1271322243_header2-1024x575.jpg"><span class="css-8yl26h">Share on Pinterest</span></a></hl-share-overlay></span><figcaption class="css-13b3g0x">DisobeyArt/Getty Images</figcaption></figure></div></div><div><p><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323586" class="content-link css-90fpmc">BMI</a> is a tool that doctors use to assess whether or not a person has an appropriate weight for their age, sex, and height. It combines a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters. </p></div><div><div data-preamp="serena-chatbot"></div></div><div><p>Having a BMI between 25 and 29.9 indicates that a person is carrying excess weight. A person has <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323551" class="content-link css-90fpmc">obesity</a> if their BMI is 30 or over. </p></div><div><p>Certain other factors — such as a person’s waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, and amount and distribution of fat — also play a role in determining how healthy their weight is.</p></div><div><p>If a person does have obesity, it can increase their risk of developing a number of other health conditions, including <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263834" class="content-link css-90fpmc">metabolic syndrome</a>, <a class="content-link css-90fpmc keywords" title="What are the causes and types of arthritis?" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7621.php">arthritis</a>, and some types of <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323648" class="content-link css-90fpmc">cancer</a>.</p></div><div><p>Metabolic syndrome itself involves a collection of conditions, including <a class="content-link css-90fpmc keywords" title="What to know about high blood pressure" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159283.php">high blood pressure</a>, <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317462" class="content-link css-90fpmc">type 2 diabetes</a>, and <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/257484" class="content-link css-90fpmc">cardiovascular disease</a>.</p></div><div><p>Maintaining a moderate weight or losing weight through diet and exercise can help prevent or reduce obesity. In some cases, however, a person may need surgery.</p></div><div><p>Read on to find out why obesity develops.</p></div><div class="css-20w1gi"><aside class="css-0 css-0" data-testid="sticky-inline-ad" data-sticky="false"><div><div data-empty="true" class="css-1sq15os"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="inline2__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="inline2__slot" data-ad="true" class="css-1t05dkn"></div></div></div></aside></div></div><div class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="too-many-calories">Consuming too many calories</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>When a person consumes more <a class="content-link css-90fpmc keywords" title="How many calories should I eat a day?" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/245588.php">calories</a> than they use as energy, their body will store the extra calories as fat. This can <hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5325830/" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">lead to</a></hl-trusted-source> obesity.</p></div><div><p>Also, some foods and beverages — especially those that are high in fats and sugars — are more likely to lead to weight gain.</p></div><div><p>Items that tend to increase the risk of weight gain include:</p></div><div><ul><li>fast foods</li><li>fried foods, such as french fries</li><li>fatty and processed meats</li><li>many dairy products</li><li>foods with added sugar, such as baked goods, ready made breakfast cereals, and cookies</li><li>foods containing hidden sugars, such as ketchup and many other canned and packaged food items</li><li>sweetened juices, sodas, and alcoholic drinks</li><li>processed, high carbohydrate foods, such as breads and bagels</li></ul></div><div><p>Some processed food products, such as ketchup, contain high fructose corn syrup as a sweetener.</p></div><div><p>Eating too much of these foods and doing too little exercise can result in weight gain and obesity.</p></div><div><p>People with diets that consist mainly of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and water are still at risk of gaining excess weight if they overeat or if genetic factors increase their risk.</p></div><div><p>However, they are more likely to enjoy a varied diet while maintaining a moderate weight. Fresh foods and whole grains contain fiber, which can encourage healthy digestion and help a person feel full for longer.</p></div><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="sedentary-lifestyle">Leading a sedentary lifestyle</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>Many people lead a much more sedentary lifestyle than their parents and grandparents did.</p></div><div><p>Some examples of sedentary habits include:</p></div><div><ul><li>working in an office rather than doing manual labor</li><li>playing games on a computer instead of doing physical activities outside</li><li>going to places by car instead of walking or cycling</li></ul></div><div><p>The less a person moves around, the fewer calories they burn.</p></div><div><p>Also, physical activity affects how a person’s hormones work, and hormones have an impact on how the body processes food.</p></div><div><p>Several studies have suggested that physical activity can help keep <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323760" class="content-link css-90fpmc">insulin</a> levels stable and that unstable insulin levels may lead to weight gain.</p></div><div><p>One <hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569266/" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">2016 review</a></hl-trusted-source> noted that, although the designs of some studies make it hard to draw exact conclusions, “A lifestyle incorporating regular [physical activity] has been identified as a key factor for maintaining and improving many aspects of health, including insulin sensitivity.”</p></div><div><p>Physical activity need not be training in the gym. Physical work, walking or cycling, climbing stairs, and household tasks all contribute.</p></div><div><p>However, the type and intensity of activity may affect the degree to which it benefits the body in the short and long term.</p></div></div><div class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="lack-of-sleep">Not sleeping enough</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>Some research has suggested that missing sleep increases the risk of gaining weight and developing obesity.</p></div><div><p>Researchers <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://sheu.org.uk/sites/sheu.org.uk/files/images/eh303sleep.pdf" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">reviewed study evidence</a> for over 28,000 children and 15,000 adults in the United Kingdom from 1977 to 2012. They concluded that <a class="content-link css-90fpmc keywords" title="What to know about sleep deprivation" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/307334.php">sleep deprivation</a> significantly increased the risk of obesity in both adults and children. The changes affected children as young as 5 years old.</p></div><div><p>The team suggested that sleep deprivation may lead to obesity because it can lead to hormonal changes that increase appetite.</p></div><div><p>When a person does not sleep enough, their body produces <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ghrelin" class="content-link css-90fpmc">ghrelin</a>, which is a hormone that stimulates appetite. At the same time, a lack of sleep also results in a lower production of leptin, which is a hormone that suppresses appetite.</p></div><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="endocrine-disruptors">Endocrine disruptors</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>One <hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3516224/" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">2012 study</a></hl-trusted-source> provided clues as to how liquid fructose, which is a type of sugar, in beverages may alter lipid and glucose metabolism and lead to fatty liver and metabolic syndrome.</p></div><div><p>Metabolic syndrome includes type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure. People with obesity are more likely to have metabolic syndrome.</p></div><div><p>After feeding rats a 10% fructose solution for 14 days, the scientists noted that their metabolisms were starting to change.</p></div><div><p>Scientists now believe that there is a link between high fructose intakes and obesity and metabolic syndrome. Authorities have raised concerns about the use of high fructose corn syrup to sweeten drinks and other products.</p></div><div><p>Animal studies have also found that when obesity occurs due to high fructose intakes, there is a close link with type 2 diabetes.</p></div><div><p>In 2018, researchers published <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2018.00411/full" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">the results</a> of investigations involving young rats. They, too, experienced metabolic changes, <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324863" class="content-link css-90fpmc">oxidative stress</a>, and <a class="content-link css-90fpmc keywords" title="Everything you need to know about inflammation" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248423.php">inflammation</a> after consuming high fructose corn syrup.</p></div><div><p>The researchers noted that “increased fructose intake may be an important predictor of metabolic risk in young people.” They called for changes in the diets of young people to help prevent these problems.</p></div><div><h3>Avoiding high fructose corn syrup</h3></div><div><p>Some items that contain high fructose corn syrup include:</p></div><div><ul><li>sodas, energy drinks, and sports drinks</li><li>candy and ice cream</li><li>coffee creamer</li><li>sauces and condiments, including salad dressings, ketchup, and barbecue sauce</li><li>sweetened foods, such as yogurt, juices, and canned foods</li><li>breads and other ready made baked goods</li><li>breakfast cereals, cereal bars, and “energy” or “nutrition” bars</li></ul></div><div><p>A person can reduce their intake of high fructose corn syrup and other additives by:</p></div><div><ul><li>checking nutrition labels before buying</li><li>opting for unsweetened or less processed items where possible</li><li>making salad dressings and baking other products at home</li></ul></div><div><p>Some foods contain other sweeteners, and these can also have adverse effects.</p></div></div><div class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="medications">Medications and weight gain</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>Some medications can also lead to weight gain.</p></div><div><p>The results of a <hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5393509/" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">2015 review and meta-analysis</a></hl-trusted-source> found that some medications caused people to gain weight over a period of months. These included:</p></div><div><ul><li>atypical antipsychotics, especially olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone</li><li>anticonvulsants and <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325214" class="content-link css-90fpmc">mood stabilizers</a>, especially <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323753" class="content-link css-90fpmc">gabapentin</a></li><li><a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/166815" class="content-link css-90fpmc">hypoglycemia</a> medications, such as tolbutamide</li><li>glucocorticoids for <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323361" class="content-link css-90fpmc">rheumatoid arthritis</a></li><li>some <a class="content-link css-90fpmc keywords" title="All about antidepressants" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/kc/antidepressants-work-248320">antidepressants</a></li></ul></div><div><p>However, some medications may lead to weight loss. Anyone who is starting a new medication and is concerned about their weight should ask a doctor whether or not the drug is likely to have any effect on their weight.</p></div><div class="css-20w1gi"><aside class="css-0 css-0" data-testid="sticky-inline-ad" data-sticky="false"><div><div data-empty="true" class="css-1sq15os"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="inline13__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="inline13__slot" data-ad="true" class="css-1t05dkn"></div></div></div></aside></div></div><div class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="is-obesity-self-perpetuating">Is obesity self-perpetuating?</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>The longer a person has obesity, the harder it may be for them to lose weight.</p></div><div><p>One <hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4673879/" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">2015 study</a></hl-trusted-source> in mice suggested that the more fat a person carries, the less likely their body is to burn fat because of a protein known as sLR11.</p></div><div><p>It seems that the more fat a person has, the more sLR11 their body will produce. The protein blocks the body’s ability to burn fat, making it harder for them to shed the extra weight.</p></div></div><div class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="obesity-gene">Obesity gene</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>A faulty gene called the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (<em>FTO</em>) is responsible for some cases of obesity.</p></div><div><p>One <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.jci.org/articles/view/44403" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">2013 study</a> pointed to a link between this gene and:</p></div><div><ul><li>obesity</li><li>behaviors that lead to obesity</li><li>a higher food intake</li><li>a preference for high calorie foods</li><li>an impaired ability to feel full</li></ul></div><div><p>The hormone ghrelin plays a crucial role in eating behavior. Ghrelin <hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4049314/" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">also affects</a></hl-trusted-source> the release of growth hormones and how the body accumulates fat, among other things.</p></div><div><p>The activity of the <em>FTO</em> gene might impact a person’s risk of having obesity because it affects the amounts of ghrelin they have.</p></div><div><p>In a <hl-trusted-source source="PloS One" rationale="Highly respected journal,Expert written journal,Peer reviewed journal"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0173560" target="_blank" class="content-link css-90fpmc">2017 study</a></hl-trusted-source> involving 250 people with eating disorders, researchers suggested that aspects of <em>FTO</em> might also play a role in binge eating and emotional eating.</p></div><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div class="css-1avyp1d"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="summary">Summary</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p>Many factors play a role in the development of obesity. Genetic traits can increase the risk in some people.</p></div><div><p>Eating a healthy diet that contains plenty of fresh foods and getting regular exercise will reduce the risk of obesity in most people.</p></div><div><p>However, those with a genetic predisposition to the condition may find it harder to maintain a moderate weight.</p></div></div></article><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div class="css-5b5f7q"><ul><li itemProp="genre"><a class="css-90fpmc" data-event="Navigation|article tag click|Diabetes" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/diabetes">Diabetes</a></li><li itemProp="genre"><a class="css-90fpmc" data-event="Navigation|article tag click|Hypertension" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/hypertension">Hypertension</a></li><li itemProp="genre"><a class="css-90fpmc" data-event="Navigation|article tag click|Cardiovascular / Cardiology" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/cardiovascular">Cardiovascular / Cardiology</a></li><li itemProp="genre"><a class="css-90fpmc" data-event="Navigation|article tag click|Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/fitness-obesity">Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness</a></li></ul></div><div><div class="css-8q0s1n css-10dx3t"><div class="css-15lc7zf"><h3 id="bylineArticleTools">How we reviewed this article:</h3><div class="css-1g9ioi4"><button type="button" class="css-kxscys"><div class="css-rre5oz"><span class="css-1d75hb8"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 20 20"><path fill="currentColor" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M0 10C0 4.477 4.477 0 10 0s10 4.477 10 10-4.477 10-10 10S0 15.523 0 10Zm18.5 0a8.5 8.5 0 1 0-17 0 8.5 8.5 0 0 0 17 0ZM10 4c-.823 0-1.5.677-1.5 1.518C8.5 6.323 9.177 7 10 7c.841 0 1.5-.677 1.5-1.482A1.5 1.5 0 0 0 10 4Zm0 4.5a1 1 0 0 1 1 1V15a1 1 0 1 1-2 0V9.5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1Z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg></span><span>Sources</span></div></button></div><div class="css-une8nx"><div class="css-1ubyuqj"><div id="article-resources" role="region" class="css-1ugaz02"><div class="css-0">Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our <a class="css-90fpmc" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/process">editorial policy</a>.</div><ul class="css-1vedeqe"><li class="css-1ti7iub"><cite><span>Bird, S. R., <em>et al</em>. (2016). Update on the effects of physical activity on insulin sensitivity in humans.</span><br/><a class="css-90fpmc css-1ivue52" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569266/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569266/</a></cite></li><li class="css-1ti7iub"><cite><span>Castellini, G., <em>et al</em>. (2017). 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Drugs commonly associated with weight change: A systematic review and meta-analysis. </span><br/><a class="css-90fpmc css-1ivue52" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5393509/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5393509/</a></cite></li><li class="css-1ti7iub"><cite><span>Karra, E., <em>et al</em>. (2013). A link between FTO, ghrelin, and impaired brain food-cue responsivity.</span><br/><a class="css-90fpmc css-1ivue52" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.jci.org/articles/view/44403">https://www.jci.org/articles/view/44403</a></cite></li><li class="css-1ti7iub"><cite><span>Pradhan, G., <em>et al</em>. (2013). 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(2015). Soluble LR11/SorLA represses thermogenesis in adipose tissue and correlates with BMI in humans. </span><br/><a class="css-90fpmc css-1ivue52" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4673879/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4673879/</a></cite></li></ul></div></div></div></div><div class="css-1h1m1dx" data-testid="share-tools"><p>Share this article</p><div class="css-14uyzrw"><div class="button-wrapper print"><a class="css-xqmvw1 print button icon icon-hl-print" target="_blank" title="Print this page"></a></div><div class="button-wrapper email"><a class="css-xqmvw1 email button icon icon-hl-email" target="_blank" title="Email this page"></a></div><div class="button-wrapper facebook"><a class="css-xqmvw1 facebook button icon icon-hl-facebook" 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Learn more…</a></p><a class="css-j8t1ld css-16cijuj" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/322268;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|2" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What are the benefits of eating healthy?|rn1" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322268?utm_source=ReadNext" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">READ MORE<span class="icon-hl-arrow-right selector css-2kgwd5"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-82r5pg css-1ub4i5m"></section></div></div></li><li class="css-1y0pb9y"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-arlbvo"><div class="css-lm0pdr"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-1e4ja14 css-f0t0lw"><a class="css-xqmvw1" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/153998;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|3" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|How to follow a healthy diet|rn2" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/153998?utm_source=ReadNext" aria-label="image-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-rwmw5v css-1pf0x3y"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="How to follow a healthy diet" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/GettyImages-634758077_thumb-732x549.jpg" srcSet="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/GettyImages-634758077_thumb-732x549.jpg 200w" className="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-u8uhak"><a class="css-14hfbn" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/153998;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|3" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|How to follow a healthy diet|rn2" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/153998?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">How to follow a healthy diet</a><section data-testid="byline" class="css-4z1ts0"><div class="css-1pz7193"><div class="css-1edxg1f"><lazy-image alt="" src="//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Amy-Richter-500x500-Bio.png?w=73&h=73"></lazy-image></div></div><div><span><span>Medically reviewed by <a class="css-90fpmc css-ro87dg" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/reviewers">Amy Richter, RD</a></span></span></div></section><p class=""><a class="css-onvglr" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/153998;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|3" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|How to follow a healthy diet|rn2" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/153998?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">The most healthy diet involves eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods from all major food groups. Learn about healthy diets and tips here.</a></p><a class="css-j8t1ld css-16cijuj" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/153998;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|3" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|How to follow a healthy diet|rn2" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/153998?utm_source=ReadNext" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">READ MORE<span class="icon-hl-arrow-right selector css-2kgwd5"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-82r5pg css-1ub4i5m"><div data-empty="true" class="css-vhteyv"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="DCMR2__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="DCMR2" data-ad="true" class="css-prb4v6"></div></div></section></div></div></li><li class="css-1y0pb9y"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-arlbvo"><div class="css-lm0pdr"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-1e4ja14 css-f0t0lw"><a class="css-xqmvw1" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/obesity-in-down-syndrome;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|4" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What to know about obesity in Down syndrome|rn3" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/obesity-in-down-syndrome?utm_source=ReadNext" aria-label="image-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-rwmw5v css-1pf0x3y"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="What to know about obesity in Down syndrome" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/obesity-Down-GettyImages-961334746-Thumb.jpg" srcSet="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/obesity-Down-GettyImages-961334746-Thumb.jpg 200w" className="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-u8uhak"><a class="css-14hfbn" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/obesity-in-down-syndrome;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|4" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What to know about obesity in Down syndrome|rn3" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/obesity-in-down-syndrome?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">What to know about obesity in Down syndrome</a><p class=""><a class="css-onvglr" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/obesity-in-down-syndrome;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|4" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What to know about obesity in Down syndrome|rn3" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/obesity-in-down-syndrome?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">A person who has Down syndrome may be more likely to have obesity than a person who does not have Down syndrome. Learn more here.</a></p><a class="css-j8t1ld css-16cijuj" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/obesity-in-down-syndrome;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|4" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What to know about obesity in Down syndrome|rn3" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/obesity-in-down-syndrome?utm_source=ReadNext" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">READ MORE<span class="icon-hl-arrow-right selector css-2kgwd5"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-82r5pg css-1ub4i5m"></section></div></div></li><li class="css-1y0pb9y"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-arlbvo"><div class="css-lm0pdr"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-1e4ja14 css-f0t0lw"><a class="css-xqmvw1" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/obesity-and-erectile-dysfunction;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|5" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What to know about obesity and erectile dysfunction|rn4" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/obesity-and-erectile-dysfunction?utm_source=ReadNext" aria-label="image-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-rwmw5v css-1pf0x3y"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="What to know about obesity and erectile dysfunction" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/obesity-erectile-obesity-erectile-GettyImages-2151884803-Thumb.jpg" srcSet="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/obesity-erectile-obesity-erectile-GettyImages-2151884803-Thumb.jpg 200w" className="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-u8uhak"><a class="css-14hfbn" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/obesity-and-erectile-dysfunction;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|5" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What to know about obesity and erectile dysfunction|rn4" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/obesity-and-erectile-dysfunction?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">What to know about obesity and erectile dysfunction</a><p class=""><a class="css-onvglr" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/obesity-and-erectile-dysfunction;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|5" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What to know about obesity and erectile dysfunction|rn4" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/obesity-and-erectile-dysfunction?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Research suggests that obesity is a potential causes of erectile dysfunction (ED). For people with obesity, losing weight may help improve erectile…</a></p><a class="css-j8t1ld css-16cijuj" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/obesity-and-erectile-dysfunction;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|5" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What to know about obesity and erectile dysfunction|rn4" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/obesity-and-erectile-dysfunction?utm_source=ReadNext" data-ga4="Read Next button clicks">READ MORE<span class="icon-hl-arrow-right selector css-2kgwd5"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-82r5pg css-1ub4i5m"></section></div></div></li></ul></div></div></div><span class="css-zya54r"></span><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div class="css-i9gxme"></div><footer class="css-1e37et2"><div class="css-1dppxl0"><hl-social-nav></hl-social-nav><div class="css-1b2ri56"><div class="css-uktbta css-ck5ydc"><hl-newsletter-cta buttonText="SUBSCRIBE" source="footer_newsletter_link" subscribeEventTracking="Newsletter Acquisition|footer_newsletter_link|submit" className="css-13njx2h" category="Newsletter Acquisition" formatType="footer" name="footer_newsletter_link" productId="footer_newsletter_link" variant="footer_newsletter_link"></hl-newsletter-cta></div><div class="css-uktbta"><div class="css-1xceiwh"><div class="css-10ohy14"><ul class="css-lb03wr css-3o9pqj"><li class="css-3gcukm"><a class="css-en1nu6" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/about">About Us</a></li><li class="css-3gcukm"><a class="css-en1nu6" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/about/contact-us">Contact Us</a></li><li class="css-3gcukm"><a class="css-en1nu6" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/about/terms-of-use">Terms of Use</a></li><li class="css-3gcukm"><a class="css-en1nu6" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/about/privacy-policy">Privacy Policy</a></li><li class="css-3gcukm"><button id="privacy-settings-one-trust" title="Privacy Settings" class="css-yjay6q">Privacy Settings</button></li><li class="css-3gcukm"><a class="css-en1nu6" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/ad-policy">Advertising Policy</a></li></ul><ul class="css-lb03wr css-upe1zs"><li class="css-3gcukm"><a class="css-en1nu6" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/directory/a-b">Health Topics</a></li><li class="css-3gcukm"><a class="css-en1nu6" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/content-hubs">Health Hubs</a></li><li class="css-3gcukm"><a class="css-en1nu6" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/about/reviewers">Medical Affairs</a></li><li class="css-3gcukm"><a class="css-en1nu6" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/about/content-integrity">Content Integrity</a></li><li class="css-3gcukm"><a class="css-en1nu6" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/newsletter">Newsletters</a></li><li class="css-3gcukm css-jwb353"><div class="css-16bllps css-1xdhyk6">© 2024 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. 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Before joining the…"]}}],"medicalReviewers":[{"id":133,"name":{"display":"Gregory Minnis, DPT","first":"Gregory","last":"Minnis, DPT"},"userLogin":"doctag83","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/reviewers/gregory-minnis-dpt","type":{"value":"medical_reviewer","label":"Medical Advisor"},"nid":"137756","specialties":["physical therapy"],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eDr. Gregory Minnis is a physical therapist with an interest in orthopedic manual therapy. His work experience includes orthopedic physical therapy, sports medicine, neurological rehab, advanced assessment and treatment of running injuries, and advanced treatment of the pelvic complex, spine, and extremities.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eUniversity of Delaware, BS\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eUniversity of St. Augustine, DPT\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertifications\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eLicensed Physical Therapist, State of California\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eLicensed Physical Therapist, State of New Jersey\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eCardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR Certification\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProfessional Accomplishments\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eCompleted a course/certification on advanced evaluation and treatment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Greg-Minnis-New-Headshot-500x500-Bio.png"},"bioBlurb":{"nodes":["Dr. Gregory Minnis is a physical therapist with an interest in orthopedic manual therapy. His work experience includes orthopedic physical therapy, sports…"]}}],"editors":[{"role":"Editor","name":{"display":"Shannon Ullman"}}],"pinterestImage":{"path":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/03/GettyImages-1271322243_thumb-1.jpg"},"hideFeedback":false,"isMedicare":false,"isBlog":false,"publishSource":"wordpress","isAmpSupported":false,"categories":[{"name":"Diabetes","slug":"diabetes","link":"/categories/diabetes","children":[]},{"name":"Hypertension","slug":"hypertension","link":"/categories/hypertension","children":[]},{"name":"Cardiovascular / Cardiology","slug":"cardiovascular","link":"/categories/cardiovascular","children":[]},{"name":"Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness","slug":"fitness-obesity","link":"/categories/fitness-obesity","primary":true,"children":[]}],"language":{"en":"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323551/","x-default":"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323551/","current":"en"},"lang":"en","links":[],"colorScheme":"default","isContentSeries":false,"brandCTAs":[],"clusterNavLinks":[],"clusterUrls":[],"clusterLinks":{},"pathingTilesData":{},"pathingCardsData":{},"inArticlePathingCardsData":[],"quantitativeTrustData":{},"isPrependRecipeH2":false,"recipes":[],"hideTabs":false,"tabs":[{"id":"_noHeaderPrefixedContent","title":null,"header":null,"body":[{"tagName":"div","source":"\u003cp class=\"css-4aeg3z\"\u003eObesity is a condition that occurs when a person has excess weight or body fat that might affect their health. A doctor will usually suggest that a person has obesity if they have a high body mass index (BMI).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"tagName":"div","source":"\u003cfigure class=\"css-yhe8zq\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"css-rwmw5v\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"css-mjp0j9\"\u003e\u003cpicture class=\"css-16pk1is\"\u003e\u003csource srcSet=\"//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/GettyImages-1271322243_header2-1024x575.jpg?w=1575 750w\" media=\"(min-width: 1190px)\"/\u003e\u003csource srcSet=\"//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/GettyImages-1271322243_header2-1024x575.jpg?w=1575 750w\" media=\"(min-width: 990px)\"/\u003e\u003csource srcSet=\"//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/GettyImages-1271322243_header2-1024x575.jpg?w=1845 879w\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\"/\u003e\u003cimg src=\"//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/GettyImages-1271322243_header2-1024x575.jpg?w=1155\u0026h=1528\" alt=\"\" class=\"css-1jytyml\"/\u003e\u003c/picture\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003chl-share-overlay class=\"css-18moxll\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"icon-hl-pinterest css-ps2kh1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" data-event=\"Any Page|Image Pinterest Click|Icon Clicked\" data-element-event=\"OPEN|CONTENTBLOCK|Any Page|Article Body|BUTTON|Image Widget Pinterest Click|\" href=\"https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2F323551\u0026media=https%3A%2F%2Fpost.medicalnewstoday.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F3%2F2021%2F04%2FGettyImages-1271322243_header2-1024x575.jpg\u0026description=Obesity%3A%20What%20is%20it%2C%20and%20what%20causes%20it%3F\" title=\"Share on Pinterest\" data-pin-custom=\"true\" data-share-url=\"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/GettyImages-1271322243_header2-1024x575.jpg\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"css-8yl26h\"\u003eShare on Pinterest\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-share-overlay\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"css-13b3g0x\"\u003eDisobeyArt/Getty Images\u003c/figcaption\u003e\u003c/figure\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323586\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eBMI\u003c/a\u003e is a tool that doctors use to assess whether or not a person has an appropriate weight for their age, sex, and height. It combines a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters. "},{"tagName":"div","attributes":{"data-preamp":"serena-chatbot"},"source":""},{"tagName":"p","source":"Having a BMI between 25 and 29.9 indicates that a person is carrying excess weight. A person has \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323551\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eobesity\u003c/a\u003e if their BMI is 30 or over. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"Certain other factors — such as a person’s waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, and amount and distribution of fat — also play a role in determining how healthy their weight is."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If a person does have obesity, it can increase their risk of developing a number of other health conditions, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263834\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003emetabolic syndrome\u003c/a\u003e, \u003ca class=\"content-link css-90fpmc keywords\" title=\"What are the causes and types of arthritis?\" href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7621.php\"\u003earthritis\u003c/a\u003e, and some types of \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323648\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ecancer\u003c/a\u003e."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Metabolic syndrome itself involves a collection of conditions, including \u003ca class=\"content-link css-90fpmc keywords\" title=\"What to know about high blood pressure\" href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159283.php\"\u003ehigh blood pressure\u003c/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317462\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003etype 2 diabetes\u003c/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/257484\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ecardiovascular disease\u003c/a\u003e."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Maintaining a moderate weight or losing weight through diet and exercise can help prevent or reduce obesity. In some cases, however, a person may need surgery."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Read on to find out why obesity develops."}]},{"id":"too-many-calories","title":"Too many calories","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Consuming too many calories"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"When a person consumes more \u003ca class=\"content-link css-90fpmc keywords\" title=\"How many calories should I eat a day?\" href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/245588.php\"\u003ecalories\u003c/a\u003e than they use as energy, their body will store the extra calories as fat. This can \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"PubMed Central\" rationale=\"Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5325830/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003elead to\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e obesity."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Also, some foods and beverages — especially those that are high in fats and sugars — are more likely to lead to weight gain."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Items that tend to increase the risk of weight gain include:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003efast foods\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003efried foods, such as french fries\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003efatty and processed meats\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003emany dairy products\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003efoods with added sugar, such as baked goods, ready made breakfast cereals, and cookies\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003efoods containing hidden sugars, such as ketchup and many other canned and packaged food items\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003esweetened juices, sodas, and alcoholic drinks\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eprocessed, high carbohydrate foods, such as breads and bagels\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Some processed food products, such as ketchup, contain high fructose corn syrup as a sweetener."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Eating too much of these foods and doing too little exercise can result in weight gain and obesity."},{"tagName":"p","source":"People with diets that consist mainly of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and water are still at risk of gaining excess weight if they overeat or if genetic factors increase their risk."},{"tagName":"p","source":"However, they are more likely to enjoy a varied diet while maintaining a moderate weight. Fresh foods and whole grains contain fiber, which can encourage healthy digestion and help a person feel full for longer."}]},{"id":"sedentary-lifestyle","title":"Sedentary lifestyle","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Leading a sedentary lifestyle"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Many people lead a much more sedentary lifestyle than their parents and grandparents did."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Some examples of sedentary habits include:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003eworking in an office rather than doing manual labor\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eplaying games on a computer instead of doing physical activities outside\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003egoing to places by car instead of walking or cycling\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"The less a person moves around, the fewer calories they burn."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Also, physical activity affects how a person’s hormones work, and hormones have an impact on how the body processes food."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Several studies have suggested that physical activity can help keep \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323760\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003einsulin\u003c/a\u003e levels stable and that unstable insulin levels may lead to weight gain."},{"tagName":"p","source":"One \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"PubMed Central\" rationale=\"Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569266/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003e2016 review\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e noted that, although the designs of some studies make it hard to draw exact conclusions, “A lifestyle incorporating regular [physical activity] has been identified as a key factor for maintaining and improving many aspects of health, including insulin sensitivity.”"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Physical activity need not be training in the gym. Physical work, walking or cycling, climbing stairs, and household tasks all contribute."},{"tagName":"p","source":"However, the type and intensity of activity may affect the degree to which it benefits the body in the short and long term."}]},{"id":"lack-of-sleep","title":"Lack of sleep","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Not sleeping enough"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Some research has suggested that missing sleep increases the risk of gaining weight and developing obesity."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Researchers \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http://sheu.org.uk/sites/sheu.org.uk/files/images/eh303sleep.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ereviewed study evidence\u003c/a\u003e for over 28,000 children and 15,000 adults in the United Kingdom from 1977 to 2012. They concluded that \u003ca class=\"content-link css-90fpmc keywords\" title=\"What to know about sleep deprivation\" href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/307334.php\"\u003esleep deprivation\u003c/a\u003e significantly increased the risk of obesity in both adults and children. The changes affected children as young as 5 years old."},{"tagName":"p","source":"The team suggested that sleep deprivation may lead to obesity because it can lead to hormonal changes that increase appetite."},{"tagName":"p","source":"When a person does not sleep enough, their body produces \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ghrelin\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eghrelin\u003c/a\u003e, which is a hormone that stimulates appetite. At the same time, a lack of sleep also results in a lower production of leptin, which is a hormone that suppresses appetite."}]},{"id":"endocrine-disruptors","title":"Endocrine disruptors","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Endocrine disruptors"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"One \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"PubMed Central\" rationale=\"Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3516224/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003e2012 study\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e provided clues as to how liquid fructose, which is a type of sugar, in beverages may alter lipid and glucose metabolism and lead to fatty liver and metabolic syndrome."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Metabolic syndrome includes type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure. People with obesity are more likely to have metabolic syndrome."},{"tagName":"p","source":"After feeding rats a 10% fructose solution for 14 days, the scientists noted that their metabolisms were starting to change."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Scientists now believe that there is a link between high fructose intakes and obesity and metabolic syndrome. Authorities have raised concerns about the use of high fructose corn syrup to sweeten drinks and other products."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Animal studies have also found that when obesity occurs due to high fructose intakes, there is a close link with type 2 diabetes."},{"tagName":"p","source":"In 2018, researchers published \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2018.00411/full\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ethe results\u003c/a\u003e of investigations involving young rats. They, too, experienced metabolic changes, \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324863\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003eoxidative stress\u003c/a\u003e, and \u003ca class=\"content-link css-90fpmc keywords\" title=\"Everything you need to know about inflammation\" href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248423.php\"\u003einflammation\u003c/a\u003e after consuming high fructose corn syrup."},{"tagName":"p","source":"The researchers noted that “increased fructose intake may be an important predictor of metabolic risk in young people.” They called for changes in the diets of young people to help prevent these problems."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Avoiding high fructose corn syrup"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Some items that contain high fructose corn syrup include:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003esodas, energy drinks, and sports drinks\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ecandy and ice cream\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ecoffee creamer\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003esauces and condiments, including salad dressings, ketchup, and barbecue sauce\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003esweetened foods, such as yogurt, juices, and canned foods\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ebreads and other ready made baked goods\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ebreakfast cereals, cereal bars, and “energy” or “nutrition” bars\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"A person can reduce their intake of high fructose corn syrup and other additives by:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003echecking nutrition labels before buying\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eopting for unsweetened or less processed items where possible\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003emaking salad dressings and baking other products at home\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Some foods contain other sweeteners, and these can also have adverse effects."}]},{"id":"medications","title":"Medications","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Medications and weight gain"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Some medications can also lead to weight gain."},{"tagName":"p","source":"The results of a \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"PubMed Central\" rationale=\"Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5393509/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003e2015 review and meta-analysis\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e found that some medications caused people to gain weight over a period of months. These included:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003eatypical antipsychotics, especially olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eanticonvulsants and \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325214\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003emood stabilizers\u003c/a\u003e, especially \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323753\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003egabapentin\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/166815\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ehypoglycemia\u003c/a\u003e medications, such as tolbutamide\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eglucocorticoids for \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323361\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003erheumatoid arthritis\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003esome \u003ca class=\"content-link css-90fpmc keywords\" title=\"All about antidepressants\" href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/kc/antidepressants-work-248320\"\u003eantidepressants\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"However, some medications may lead to weight loss. Anyone who is starting a new medication and is concerned about their weight should ask a doctor whether or not the drug is likely to have any effect on their weight."}]},{"id":"is-obesity-self-perpetuating","title":"Is obesity self-perpetuating?","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Is obesity self-perpetuating?"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"The longer a person has obesity, the harder it may be for them to lose weight."},{"tagName":"p","source":"One \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"PubMed Central\" rationale=\"Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4673879/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003e2015 study\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e in mice suggested that the more fat a person carries, the less likely their body is to burn fat because of a protein known as sLR11."},{"tagName":"p","source":"It seems that the more fat a person has, the more sLR11 their body will produce. The protein blocks the body’s ability to burn fat, making it harder for them to shed the extra weight."}]},{"id":"obesity-gene","title":"Obesity gene","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Obesity gene"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"A faulty gene called the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (\u003cem\u003eFTO\u003c/em\u003e) is responsible for some cases of obesity."},{"tagName":"p","source":"One \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.jci.org/articles/view/44403\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003e2013 study\u003c/a\u003e pointed to a link between this gene and:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003eobesity\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ebehaviors that lead to obesity\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ea higher food intake\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ea preference for high calorie foods\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ean impaired ability to feel full\u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"The hormone ghrelin plays a crucial role in eating behavior. Ghrelin \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"PubMed Central\" rationale=\"Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4049314/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003ealso affects\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e the release of growth hormones and how the body accumulates fat, among other things."},{"tagName":"p","source":"The activity of the \u003cem\u003eFTO\u003c/em\u003e gene might impact a person’s risk of having obesity because it affects the amounts of ghrelin they have."},{"tagName":"p","source":"In a \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"PloS One\" rationale=\"Highly respected journal,Expert written journal,Peer reviewed journal\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0173560\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"content-link css-90fpmc\"\u003e2017 study\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e involving 250 people with eating disorders, researchers suggested that aspects of \u003cem\u003eFTO\u003c/em\u003e might also play a role in binge eating and emotional eating."}]},{"id":"summary","title":"Summary","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Summary"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Many factors play a role in the development of obesity. Genetic traits can increase the risk in some people."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Eating a healthy diet that contains plenty of fresh foods and getting regular exercise will reduce the risk of obesity in most people."},{"tagName":"p","source":"However, those with a genetic predisposition to the condition may find it harder to maintain a moderate weight."}]}],"hasAffiliateLinks":false,"affiliates":[],"propsFor":{"articleResources":[{"displayLink":"ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569266/","link":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569266/","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Bird, S. R., \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. (2016). Update on the effects of physical activity on insulin sensitivity in humans."}},{"displayLink":"journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0173560","link":"https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0173560","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Castellini, G., \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. (2017). Fat mass and obesity-associated gene (\u003cem\u003eFTO\u003c/em\u003e) is associated to eating disorders susceptibility and moderates the expression of psychopathological traits."}},{"displayLink":"frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2018.00411/full","link":"https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2018.00411/full","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Crescenzo, R., \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. (2018). Early effects of a low fat, fructose-rich diet on liver metabolism, insulin signaling, and oxidative stress in young and adult rats."}},{"displayLink":"ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5393509/","link":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5393509/","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Domecq, J. P., \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. (2015). 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(2015).\u0026nbsp;Soluble LR11/SorLA represses thermogenesis in adipose tissue and correlates with BMI in humans.\u0026nbsp;"}}],"byline":{"authors":[{"id":903,"name":{"display":"Yvette Brazier","first":"Yvette","last":"Brazier"},"link":"/authors/yvette-brazier","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eYvette is an Editor for Medical News Today\u0026#8217;s Updates team, which focuses on maintaining the quality and accuracy of our clinical content. Before joining the team in 2015, Yvette studied languages and linguistics, qualified as a teacher, and went on to teach English, mostly on government sponsored projects across the globe. Her main specialty areas were health communications, writing teaching texts and manuals, and creating online courses. 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His work experience includes orthopedic physical therapy, sports medicine, neurological rehab, advanced assessment and treatment of running injuries, and advanced treatment of the pelvic complex, spine, and extremities.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eUniversity of Delaware, BS\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eUniversity of St. Augustine, DPT\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertifications\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eLicensed Physical Therapist, State of California\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eLicensed Physical Therapist, State of New Jersey\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eCardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR Certification\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProfessional Accomplishments\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eCompleted a course/certification on advanced evaluation and treatment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Greg-Minnis-New-Headshot-500x500-Bio.png"}}],"id":"mnt-805099","updateReason":[],"editor":"Shannon Ullman","factCheckedBy":"","factCheckers":[],"articleHistory":{"2018-11-02":{"updateReason":[],"authors":"Yvette Brazier","editor":"Yvette Brazier","medicallyReviewedBy":"Katherine Marengo, LDN, RD"},"2021-04-19":{"updateReason":[],"authors":"Yvette Brazier","editor":"Shannon Ullman","copyEditor":"Jasmin Collier","medicallyReviewedBy":"Gregory Minnis, DPT"}},"articleDates":{"factChecked":{"date":null,"display":""},"medicallyReviewed":{"date":1618790400,"display":"April 19, 2021"},"published":{"date":1541142000,"display":"November 2, 2018"},"lastUpdates":{"date":1618790400,"display":"April 19, 2021"},"modified":{"date":1622139326,"display":"May 27, 2021"}},"type":"healthfeature","language":"en"},"isCorp":false,"isReference":false,"isPremiumVideo":false,"isStandaloneVideo":false,"isStandaloneRecipe":false,"schemaObj":{"@context":"https://schema.org","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Medical News Today","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com/structure/images/logo/logo-2017-640-60.png"}},"@type":"MedicalWebPage","headline":"What is obesity, and what causes it?","description":"Obesity refers to when a person is carrying excess weight. 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This article looks at statistics for adult and childhood obesity and associated health…"],"link":"/articles/319902","imageAlt":"The numbers behind obesity","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/Numbers-Lit-Bingo-732x549-Thumbnail.jpg","medicallyReviewedBy":{"reviewerName":"Daniel Bubnis, M.S., NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS","reviewerImage":{"path":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/12/DanielBubnis.png","width":200,"height":200,"altText":""},"specialties":["fitness"]},"isNutrition":false,"authors":[{"id":877,"name":{"display":"Tim Newman","first":"Tim","last":"Newman"},"userLogin":"timnewman","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"https://ter.li/xggewa","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/tim-newman","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"Senior News Editor","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eAfter completing a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience at the U.K.’s University of Manchester, Tim changed course entirely to work in sales, marketing, and analysis. Realizing that his heart truly lies with science and writing, he changed course once more and joined the Medical News Today team. As Senior News Editor, Tim led our team of top notch writers and editors, who report on the latest medical research from peer reviewed journals; he also penned a few articles himself. Tim is now an Editor at \u003ca title=\"Original URL: https://joinzoe.com/learn/tim-newman. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fjoinzoe.com%2Flearn%2Ftim-newman\u0026amp;data=05%7C01%7Csobrien%40rvohealth.com%7C49c921b73e2e49cf008808db68f2b566%7C00e1df3d9626410c898c16aaa8c2afc9%7C0%7C0%7C638219163901861911%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C\u0026amp;sdata=8N2Xq5Y4jzUdFiwjuortxcIzIzYGqplT%2FB4YT%2BuSNB8%3D\u0026amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"Verified\" data-loopstyle=\"linkonly\" data-linkindex=\"0\"\u003eZOE\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/500x500_Tim_Newman.png"}}],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"},{"title":["What are the benefits of eating healthy?"],"text":["A healthy diet has many benefits, including a reduced risk of various diseases and health conditions, improved mood, and better memory. Learn more…"],"link":"/articles/322268","imageAlt":"What are the benefits of eating healthy?","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/GettyImages-1247033916_thumb-732x549.jpg","medicallyReviewedBy":{"reviewerName":"Angelica Balingit, MD","reviewerImage":{"path":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/Angelica_Balingit_500x500_Med_Reviewer_Photos_v2.png","width":200,"height":200,"altText":""}},"isNutrition":false,"authors":[{"id":1091,"name":{"display":"Cathleen Crichton-Stuart","first":"Cathleen","last":"Crichton-Stuart"},"userLogin":"ccrichton","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/cathleen-crichton-stuart","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eCathleen grew up in the U.K., then moved to Australia, and now lives in New Zealand. With a serious love of books but no real plan, she found her niche in life after two degrees, a bachelor\u0026#8217;s in the arts and a bachelor\u0026#8217;s in nutrition. Currently, Cathleen works as a sports nutritionist, combining her two passions, sports and food, for her own company therealhealth.co. When not working or writing, she is probably running, hiking hills, skiing mountains, or cooking with wine.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTo keep up with Cathleen, visit her \u003ca class=\"\u0026quot;button_followrel=\u0026quot;noopener\" href=\"//therealhealth.co/\u0026quot;\" target=\"\u0026quot;_blanktitle=\u0026quot;Follow\"\u003ewebsite\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/12/author-placeholder.jpg"}}],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"},{"title":["How to follow a healthy diet"],"text":["The most healthy diet involves eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods from all major food groups. Learn about healthy diets and tips here."],"link":"/articles/153998","imageAlt":"How to follow a healthy diet","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/GettyImages-634758077_thumb-732x549.jpg","medicallyReviewedBy":{"reviewerName":"Amy Richter, RD","reviewerImage":{"path":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Amy-Richter-500x500-Bio.png","width":200,"height":200,"altText":""}},"isNutrition":false,"authors":[{"id":899,"name":{"display":"Jamie Smith","first":"Jamie","last":"Smith"},"userLogin":"asmith","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/jamie-smith","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eJamie is a writer, editor, and researcher with a PhD in psychology, with main interests including mental health advocacy, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, and trauma-informed practice. 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Learn more here."],"link":"/articles/obesity-in-down-syndrome","imageAlt":"What to know about obesity in Down syndrome","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/obesity-Down-GettyImages-961334746-Thumb.jpg","isNutrition":false,"authors":[{"id":1589,"name":{"display":"Anna Smith Haghighi","first":"Anna","last":"Smith Haghighi"},"userLogin":"annasmith","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/anna-smith","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eAnna Smith Haghighi lives in Bangor, Northern Ireland, with her husband and their greyhounds Django and Zola. She found a passion for writing when creating content for various clients as part of an SEO company. Along the way, Anna has been a film and television extra, half of a singing duo, and a team member of the Belfast Eye. 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Is this a real concern, and if so, how can a person maintain their muscle mass on GLP-1 drugs?"},{"title":"Can developing type 2 diabetes before age 50 raise dementia risk?","link":"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-developing-type-2-diabetes-before-age-50-raise-dementia-risk","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/diabetes-dementia-GettyImages-1735045910-Thumb.jpg","summary":"Getting diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before the age of 50 may increase one's risk of developing dementia by 1.9 times, a new study has found."},{"title":"Craving fatty foods when stressed? Cocoa may offset impact","link":"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/craving-fatty-foods-when-stressed-cocoa-may-offset-impact","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/mug-cocoa-732x549-thumbnail.jpg","summary":"A flavonoid found in cocoa drinks could help reduce recovery time from stress even when a person reaches for unhealthy fatty foods, a recent study has found."},{"title":"Staying fit may lower dementia risk even in those genetically predisposed","link":"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/staying-fit-may-lower-dementia-risk-even-in-those-genetically-predisposed","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/cardiorespiratory-fitness-GettyImages-1369193071-Thumb.jpg","summary":"High cardiorespiratory fitness could help lower a person's risk of dementia even if they are genetically predisposed to it, a recent study has found."},{"title":"Daily walk may prolong lifespan","link":"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/daily-walk-may-prolong-lifespan","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/man-walking-red-hedge-732x549-thumbnail.jpg","summary":"Every additional hour of walking per day could add up to 6 hours to a person's life, a recent study suggests, emphasizing the importance of staying active."}],"infiniteScroll":true,"infScrollArticles":[{"title":["The numbers behind obesity"],"text":["What are the numbers behind obesity in the U.S. and globally? This article looks at statistics for adult and childhood obesity and associated health…"],"link":"/articles/319902","imageAlt":"The numbers behind obesity","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/Numbers-Lit-Bingo-732x549-Thumbnail.jpg","medicallyReviewedBy":{"reviewerName":"Daniel Bubnis, M.S., NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS","reviewerImage":{"path":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/12/DanielBubnis.png","width":200,"height":200,"altText":""},"specialties":["fitness"]},"isNutrition":false,"authors":[{"id":877,"name":{"display":"Tim Newman","first":"Tim","last":"Newman"},"userLogin":"timnewman","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"https://ter.li/xggewa","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/tim-newman","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"Senior News Editor","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eAfter completing a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience at the U.K.’s University of Manchester, Tim changed course entirely to work in sales, marketing, and analysis. Realizing that his heart truly lies with science and writing, he changed course once more and joined the Medical News Today team. As Senior News Editor, Tim led our team of top notch writers and editors, who report on the latest medical research from peer reviewed journals; he also penned a few articles himself. Tim is now an Editor at \u003ca title=\"Original URL: https://joinzoe.com/learn/tim-newman. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fjoinzoe.com%2Flearn%2Ftim-newman\u0026amp;data=05%7C01%7Csobrien%40rvohealth.com%7C49c921b73e2e49cf008808db68f2b566%7C00e1df3d9626410c898c16aaa8c2afc9%7C0%7C0%7C638219163901861911%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C\u0026amp;sdata=8N2Xq5Y4jzUdFiwjuortxcIzIzYGqplT%2FB4YT%2BuSNB8%3D\u0026amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"Verified\" data-loopstyle=\"linkonly\" data-linkindex=\"0\"\u003eZOE\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/500x500_Tim_Newman.png"}}],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"},{"title":["What are the benefits of eating healthy?"],"text":["A healthy diet has many benefits, including a reduced risk of various diseases and health conditions, improved mood, and better memory. Learn more…"],"link":"/articles/322268","imageAlt":"What are the benefits of eating healthy?","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/GettyImages-1247033916_thumb-732x549.jpg","medicallyReviewedBy":{"reviewerName":"Angelica Balingit, MD","reviewerImage":{"path":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/Angelica_Balingit_500x500_Med_Reviewer_Photos_v2.png","width":200,"height":200,"altText":""}},"isNutrition":false,"authors":[{"id":1091,"name":{"display":"Cathleen Crichton-Stuart","first":"Cathleen","last":"Crichton-Stuart"},"userLogin":"ccrichton","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/cathleen-crichton-stuart","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eCathleen grew up in the U.K., then moved to Australia, and now lives in New Zealand. With a serious love of books but no real plan, she found her niche in life after two degrees, a bachelor\u0026#8217;s in the arts and a bachelor\u0026#8217;s in nutrition. Currently, Cathleen works as a sports nutritionist, combining her two passions, sports and food, for her own company therealhealth.co. 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Learn about healthy diets and tips here."],"link":"/articles/153998","imageAlt":"How to follow a healthy diet","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/GettyImages-634758077_thumb-732x549.jpg","medicallyReviewedBy":{"reviewerName":"Amy Richter, RD","reviewerImage":{"path":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Amy-Richter-500x500-Bio.png","width":200,"height":200,"altText":""}},"isNutrition":false,"authors":[{"id":899,"name":{"display":"Jamie Smith","first":"Jamie","last":"Smith"},"userLogin":"asmith","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/jamie-smith","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eJamie is a writer, editor, and researcher with a PhD in psychology, with main interests including mental health advocacy, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, and trauma-informed practice. Jamie believes in the healing power of breaking down stigma and the importance of validating people’s lived experiences.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/MNT-Bio1-500x500-1.png"}}],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"},{"title":["What to know about obesity in Down syndrome"],"text":["A person who has Down syndrome may be more likely to have obesity than a person who does not have Down syndrome. Learn more here."],"link":"/articles/obesity-in-down-syndrome","imageAlt":"What to know about obesity in Down syndrome","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/obesity-Down-GettyImages-961334746-Thumb.jpg","isNutrition":false,"authors":[{"id":1589,"name":{"display":"Anna Smith Haghighi","first":"Anna","last":"Smith Haghighi"},"userLogin":"annasmith","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/anna-smith","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eAnna Smith Haghighi lives in Bangor, Northern Ireland, with her husband and their greyhounds Django and Zola. She found a passion for writing when creating content for various clients as part of an SEO company. Along the way, Anna has been a film and television extra, half of a singing duo, and a team member of the Belfast Eye. 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For people with obesity, losing weight may help improve erectile…"],"link":"/articles/obesity-and-erectile-dysfunction","imageAlt":"What to know about obesity and erectile dysfunction","thumbnail":"https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/obesity-erectile-obesity-erectile-GettyImages-2151884803-Thumb.jpg","isNutrition":false,"authors":[{"id":1000,"name":{"display":"Charlotte Lillis","first":"Charlotte","last":"Lillis"},"userLogin":"clillis","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/charlotte-lillis","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eCharlotte is a freelance writer and editor. 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