An extensive list has been published in the International Journal of Obesity detailing 10 reasons for increased obesity apart from diet and exercise. The researchers contend that though incorrect diet and lack of exercise have always been blamed, these are not necessarily the most important factors leading to obesity and certainly not the only ones.
To support their claim, they point out a study conducted on 7000 children on the relation between obesity and the childrens' nearness to fast-food restaurants. The study found no connection between the two factors and another one showed that physical education classes did not reduce their body mass index (BMI) which is a measure of obesity.
What then is responsible? The 20 researchers led by Dr. Louis Aronne of Weill-Cornell Medical School emphasize that several factors are responsible – working alone or in combination. One of these is the rise in use of anti-depressants, mood stabilizers and other similar drugs which lead to weight gain. Another chemical contributor is endocrine disruptors – substances found in particular foods which alter body fats. Medicines too fall under the obesity increasing factors category as does genetic influences.
Inadequate sleep has always been linked to increase in weight gain and this study too highlights the association. The study also points out that since the number of smokers have reduced, an unfortunate side-effect is that appetite is no longer suppressed, leading to those extra pounds.
The researchers who hail from the United States, Italy and Canada furthermore point out that women now give birth at later ages – a statistic directly associated with heavier infants. Another possible contributor is the Darwinian principle of natural selection, by which fat people out-live thinner ones.
The most ingenious of this 10-point list however, are the use of air conditioning and assortative mating. The scientists mention that people were naturally meant to adjust their body temperature by sweating and shivering – losing calories in the process. However, with extensive use of regulated temperatures, the body is unable to burn calories by sweating or shivering them off. They also point out that people have a tendency to mate with others of similar body structure – fat people mate more with other fat people, producing more fat children.
Although Dr. Aronne does not recommend any changes based on these results, the study has been rubbished by many scientists. They claim that it distracts people from taking charge of their diet and exercise, providing convenient excuses.
