Obesity: A Vicious Circle

Are our genes responsible?

Current studies are extensively researching how our genes may influence the development of obesity. These studies have already identified many genes affecting our body weight, metabolism and eating habits. While current information indeed shows that genes can contribute to the development of obesity, it is external factors that seem to play a key role for most people affected by obesity.

Not all fats are the same

The localization of the adipose tissue within the body entails serious health consequences. In contrast to the subcutaneous fat tissue, visceral or abdominal obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus type 2 and tumor diseases dramatically. ( Read: Tofi – Slim on the outside fat on the inside? )

The abdominal fat in particular is able to produce hormones which can trigger a vicious circle of obesity and other diseases. One of these hormones produced by the adipose tissue is leptin. Given a good nutritional status, it is normally released to reduce feelings of hunger. However, due to the increased adipose tissue among obese people, the leptin-levels rise permanently – and yet this does not lead to a stronger sense of fullness. On the contrary: the overproduction may, in fact, lessen leptin’s efficiency over time. The result is a constant growing feeling of hunger which in turn leads to further weight gain.

In a series of tests with genetically modified mice, the effect of leptin was verified. The gene responsible for leptin production was deactivated in the test animals. As a result, the animals showed an increased dietary intake and a significantly higher weight than those mice whose genes were still intact. Once leptin was administered, their eating habits and weight returned to normal. Similarly, medications with leptin properties seem to be effective in people affected by insufficient amounts of the functional hormone, due to a gene defect.

One’s origin and lifestyle make all the difference

Aside from genetic predispositions, external factors, such as social status and upbringing, can play an important role for developing adiposity as well. Parents of obese children are often overweight themselves, passing their eating habits on to their children. The way a mother eats during pregnancy and lactation will also later determine the child’s eating habits. A low social status also correlates to adiposity; not only a lack of nutritional knowledge, but also limited financial resources influence the development of obesity. People of lower social status and with lower income often consume less fruits, vegetables and fish, while eating much more nutrition rich in fat and sugar. They also often spend less time on physical activities.

The development of adiposity is a multifactorial process which is associated with various health risks and secondary complications. It is of utmost importance to start tackling this habit early on – during childhood at best. Suffering from obesity at a young age will most likely lead to weight issues as an adult. Furthermore, this problem is most likely to affect following generations as well, leading to a vicious circle of adiposity. A healthy diet, sufficient physical activity and individual weight management are therefore essential from a young age on. seca offers suitable devices for precisely examining weight – from newborns to adults. For more information, visit our onlineshop.