World Obesity Day 2024: 5 Lifestyle Mistakes That Can Put You At Risk Of Obesity

World Obesity Day 2024: Moving less and sitting more can lead to obesity

World Obesity Day is observed on March 04. This day is meant to raise awareness about causes and preventive tips for obesity. The theme for this year's campaign is "Let's Talk About Obesity And...". The day is essentially an annual campaign that aims at stimulating and supporting actions that can help people achieve and maintain a healthy weight and reverse obesity crisis going on at a global level. In this article, we have a list of lifestyle mistakes you never thought could lead to obesity.

World Obesity Day: Lifestyle mistakes that lead to obesity

The top cause of obesity is eating too much and moving too less. How many calories you consume in a day can also influence your risk of being obese. On an average, a physically active man needs around 2,500 (and women need 2000) calories in a day to maintain a healthy weight, according to National Health Service. In order to avoid obesity, these calories should consume from healthy, natural and homemade food. Burgers, pizzas, fries, chips and pasta are all high-carb and high-calorie foods that can cause obesity.

Following are other lifestyle factors that can increase risk of obesity:

1. Poor diet

If you eat lots of junk, processed and packaged food quite regularly, then you are at risk of obesity. Also, the risk is more if you eat foods in large portions and eat too frequently. Intake of sugary drinks, eating out too often and regularly indulging in comfort eating may cause obesity.

Consumption of junk food in excess can put you at risk of obesity
Photo Credit: iStock

2. Lack of exercise and physical activity

If you are someone who doesn't exercise at all, then you are at risk of obesity. Also, moving less and spending most of the time sitting can increase your risk. When you are not active enough, you are unable to use energy provided by the food you eat. Extra energy consumed is stored by the body as fat. Minimum of 150 minutes of medium-intensity exercise or 90 minutes of high-intensity exercise in a week is important for everyone to avoid obesity.

Also read: 5 Best Ways To Tackle Obesity Naturally

3. Genetics

Yes your genetics may also be responsible for obesity. If you have family history of obesity, it might put you at risk of it as well.

4. Underactive thyroid gland

Hypothyroidism is a condition caused by underactive thyroid gland. It is a condition which can lead to obesity. Poor lifestyle is the one of the main causes of hypothyroidism and obesity. Hormonal imbalance may also be blamed.

5. Excessive stress

Being chronically stressed can lead to unintentional weight gain and obesity. Stress can hamper your weight loss goals and make it more difficult for you to lose weight. Take up stress management strategies to prevent obesity and weight gain.

Avoid taking too much stress to prevent obesity
Photo Credit: iStock

Also read: If You Spend More Than These Many Hours A Day On Your Phone It Can Lead Obesity

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.