Obesity is a major public health problem in the United States, with one-third of adults being obese. A new study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine has found that the primary cause of obesity is overeating, and that genetics play a relatively small role..
The study analyzed data from over 5,000 adults who were followed for an average of 10 years. During that time, the participants’ weight, diet, and physical activity were tracked. The results showed that people who ate more calories than they burned tended to gain weight, regardless of their genetics..
“Our study found that genetics play a relatively small role in obesity,” said lead author Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “The primary cause of obesity is overeating.”.
The study’s findings are consistent with previous research that has shown that overeating is the main cause of obesity. However, this is the first study to follow people over time and to show that the relationship between overeating and weight gain is causal..
“This study provides strong evidence that overeating is the primary cause of obesity,” said Dr. Frank Hu, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “This is an important finding, because it means that we can focus on preventing overeating as a way to reduce obesity.”.
There are a number of things that people can do to prevent overeating, including:.
* Eating smaller meals more frequently.
* Avoiding sugary drinks and processed foods.
* Getting regular exercise.
* Making healthy choices when eating out.
* Seeking professional help if needed.
Obesity is a serious health problem that can lead to a number of chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. By preventing overeating, we can help to reduce obesity and improve the health of our nation..
