Causes of Obesity
Learn more about weight management
Various factors can affect a person’s ability to maintain a healthy weight, including genetic predisposition, hormones and appetite, diet, movement and exercise, prescription medications, stress, exercise and sleep.
Research suggests a higher proportion of people are able to maintain their weight loss long term after using prescription medication than lifestyle changes alone.
Start a conversation with the hub.health medical team and take the first step toward a healthier you.
Genetics
Genetics can influence body weight by affecting metabolism, appetite, and body fat distribution. Variations in genes related to these factors can make some people more susceptible to weight gain or make it more difficult for them to lose weight. Studies on twins raised in different homes found their genes significantly affected whether they had a higher BMI.
Sleep Quality & Quantity
Research has shown that people who consistently get inadequate sleep may experience hormonal changes that increase their appetite, leading to weight gain over time. Shiftwork has also been identified as a risk factor for obesity.
Hormones and Appetite
Chemical messengers called hormones act as sensors throughout the body, triggering signals that regulate appetite. When you are hungry, these hormones signal you to eat; when you are full, they signal you to stop eating. However, in people who are obese or overweight, these hormones may not function properly, which can result in a reduced ability to feel full, making it challenging to lose weight over time.
Food Types and Intake
Eating a diet high in calories, particularly processed or fast foods high in fat, sugar, and salt, can contribute to weight gain. Consuming large portion sizes, snacking frequently, and drinking sugary beverages can also lead to overconsumption of calories and weight gain.
Exercise and Movement
Managing excess weight gain requires a balance between calories consumed from food and calories burned through physical activity and body processes. Typically, when people consume more calories than they burn, they tend to gain weight. Conversely, they tend to lose weight when they burn more calories than they consume. However, it’s not just about eating less or exercising more. Sustainable habits that prioritise pleasure and nourishment are important.
Stress
While stress is a natural response to challenging situations, chronic stress can negatively impact health. When you experience stress, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that can increase appetite and cravings for foods with sugar, salt and fat as ingredients. Moreover, cortisol can slow down the metabolism of food, which can contribute to weight gain.
Cultural Background
Cultural background can impact the perception of body weight, its significance, and the factors that contribute to it.
Cultural influences may contribute to dietary habits, beliefs regarding what constitutes a healthy weight, and diverse priorities, such as valuing academic work over physical activity in children.
Research suggests that certain cultural backgrounds may be at a higher risk for developing obesity than others. For instance, in Australia, 75% of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander adults are overweight or obese.
It’s time to look after your health
Regardless of what causes weight gain, several effective treatments are available to help your weight loss journey to a healthy weight.
At hub.health, our medical team will work with you to treat obesity and overweight with clinically proven weight loss meds, guiding you towards a healthier version of yourself.
Frequently asked questions
The weight loss injections we prescribe contain one active ingredient. When injected, this active ingredient mimics the effects of a specific hormone in the body that helps to reduce appetite, increase feelings of fullness, and slow stomach emptying, leading to a reduced calorie intake that ultimately promotes weight loss.
It’s important to note that these medications are prescription-only and should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program.
The results of weight loss injection treatments can vary depending on the specific medication, individual factors such as age, gender, and medical history, and personal adherence to a healthy lifestyle. However, some general potential benefits that may be associated with these weight loss treatments include:
- Physical health improvements to important health markers, such as blood pressure, blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, sleep quality, and joint pain, and a reduced risk of developing obesity-related diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and type-2 diabetes.
- Mental health improvements, such as improved self-esteem, mood, and confidence, and reduced symptom severity of depression and anxiety.
- Improved quality of life, including increased energy levels, better mobility, and the ability to engage in activities that may have seemed off-limits due to excess weight.
- Weight reduction has been shown in several studies. However, the amount of weight loss can vary depending on the duration of treatment, and personal adherence to a healthy lifestyle.
It’s important to note that weight loss meds are not a magic solution. They must be used in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise for the best results.
Once you’ve approved and paid for your medication, our pharmacist will organise fast and discreet delivery. You should receive your medication within 1-3 days, depending on your delivery location.
If you are not home when your medication is delivered, Australia Post will leave it in a safe place, if there is one. If they can’t find anywhere safe to leave it, it will be left at the closest collection point.
hub.health offers cold chain delivery anywhere in Australia. This means your medication will remain cold during transit and be delivered to your door in cold packaging.
Of course! If you log into your profile and head to the ‘Products’ tab, you will see a ‘Manage Treatment’ button. Click this and you’ll see the ability to send a message to your clinician. If you’re having any issues, just drop us a line at [email protected]
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