Nutrition.gov

ChooseMyPlate Obesity Causes & Prevention Many factors influence body weight—genes, though the effect is small, and heredity is not destiny; prenatal and early life influences; poor diets; too much television watching; too little physical activity and sleep; and our food and physical activity environment. What Tips the Scales Toward Excess Weight? The causes of obesity are as varied as the people it affects. At its most basic, of course, obesity results when someone regularly takes in more calories than needed. The body stores these excess calories as body fat, and over time the extra pounds add up. Eat fewer calories than the body burns, weight goes down. What are some of the factors that increase the risk of obesity? Genes Are Not Destiny Heredity plays a role in obesity but generally to a much lesser degree than many people might believe. Prenatal and Postnatal Influences Early life is important, too. Unhealthy Diets Too Much Television, Too Little Activity, and Too Little Sleep Toxic Environment—Food and Physical Activity