Causes of Obesity

Obesity is the result of an imbalance between intake of energy (relative to what is needed for that person), and expenditure of energy over a prolonged period of time.

“It only needs a daily excess of energy of 100 kilocalories (the equivalent of a small chocolate bar) to lead to an increase of around 5Kg of fat over 12 months or 50 Kg over 10 years”.

Reference: Science Direct – Patho-physiology & Aetiology of Obesity (John P H Wilding) November 2006.

Genetic, environmental and other factors interact to influence body weight in a complex way.

Click on the links for details of:

• Genetic & Physiological Factors
• Environmental, Behavioural & Social Factors
• Drug Factors
• Mental & Physical Disability Factors
• Other Factors

Amended April 2008