It’s all too common to see someone and make a snap judgement about them. We are all guilty of forming preconceived notions about others, whether they’re regarding race, gender, clothing, or any other superficial feature. Disappointingly enough, one’s weight falls under the umbrella of prejudice. The stigma surrounding obesity is in part due to the stereotype that obese people are lazy, or don’t care for themselves, or have no self control. To what extent is biology a factor in obesity? It’s important to differentiate between the types of obesity: exogenous and endogenous. Exogenous obesity is caused by environmental factors (calorie consumption in excess of expenditure) while endogenous is hereditary, affecting people with genetic predispositions, hypometabolism, or certain hormonal imbalances.
According to a study conducted by Jules Hirsch of Rockefeller University, metabolic rates make it extremely difficult for obese people to lose weight or maintain their weight. Subjects were found to be able to lose weight following extreme calorie reduction, but their metabolic rates dipped in response. This means that a person with hypometabolism would have to consume fewer calories than a naturally thin person to maintain the same weight. This is a clear indication that in no way does a person’s weight dictate their level of self control. Hormonal aspects also play a large role in the determination of weight. Recent studies have found that Ghrelin, a peptide hormone, has a significant effect on appetite. Those with an excess of Ghrelin in their system may have to consume more calories in order to feel sufficiently full.
Genetics should also be taken into consideration. Studies have shown that people with one or more obese parents are 25% more likely to become overweight. Heredity can also dictate where weight is distributed across the body, making one appear heavier than is accurate according to their BMI (Body Mass Index). Of course, obesity can be caused by exogenous factors. Many turn to food for comfort, particularly after traumatic or stressful events. As sometimes follows with the aforementioned trauma, depression can follow. This medical illness often leeches any motivation for productivity from the affected, including any desire for physical activity. This only contributes to weight gain. However, weight gain can also be attributed to something as simple as food prices.
A burger from a local fast food chain is likely far cheaper than an organic kale salad with a lemon vinaigrette and raspberry compote from an upscale café. A busy metropolitan work or school schedule only augments this, leaving little time to burn off the calories. Examining the facts, it is clear that both biological and environmental factors can play large roles in causing obesity. Regardless of whether one is obese due to exogenous factors, endogenous factors, or even underweight, one thing is clear: they are all deserving of respect and consideration.