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Posted on December 27, 2007 in Latest News
“By looking at food, I gain weight” is a general complaint raised by people who are obese. Others admit that they eat a lot. But the way the quantity of food affects body weight is just one reason that we know. Much thought has gone into finding the root causes of obesity and finally, scientists have come up with answers.
Expert opinions
William A. Banks, M.D., professor of geriatrics in the department of internal medicine and professor of pharmacological and physiological science at Saint Louis University School of Medicine claims that he, along with a group of scientists has discovered the precise reasons for obesity.
The scientists used mice to look at how leptin, a hormone secreted by fat cells that tells us to stop eating, gets into the brain. They found that in obese mice, high triglycerides, a type of fat in the bloodstream, prevents leptin from getting into the brain, where it can do its work in turning off feeding and burning calories.
“High triglycerides are blocking the leptin from getting into the brain. If leptin can’t get into the brain, it can’t tell you to stop eating,” says Banks, who is principal investigator and a staff physician at Veterans Affairs Medical Center in St. Louis.
Other causes
Genetics: A person is more likely to develop obesity if one or both parents are obese. Genetics also affect hormones involved in fat regulation.
A diet high in simple carbohydrates: Carbohydrates increase blood glucose levels, which in turn stimulate insulin release by the pancreas, and insulin promotes the growth of fat tissue and can cause weight gain.
Slow metabolism: Sedentary people burn fewer calories than people who are active. The National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES) showed that physical inactivity was strongly correlated with weight gain in both sexes.
Medications: Medications associated with weight gain include certain antidepressants, anti-convulsants, diabetes medications etc. Weight gain may also be seen with some high blood pressure medications and antihistamines.
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