Causes of Obesity: Know What’s Behind the Weight Gain

Updated: August 7, 2025
Authored by: Dr Batra's®

Medically reviewed by

TEJAL AJMERA PATEL
28+ Years of experience Dermatology, Hair Specialist, Oncology, Pediatrics, Skin Specialist

Obesity is not just about eating more and moving less. It is a multi-factorial condition that results from a complex interaction of genetics, hormones, habits, lifestyle, and even emotional health. Understanding the root causes of obesity is crucial to managing and reversing it.

In this blog, we break down the main causes of obesity in adults and children to help you identify and act early.

Main Causes of Obesity in Adults and Children

Poor eating habits and food choices: Junk food, sugary beverages, oversized portions, and irregular meals often lead to excessive calorie intake.
Lack of physical activity: Sedentary lifestyles, especially screen time and desk jobs,reduce energy expenditure.
Genetic factors: Family history and inherited genes can influence fat storage and appetite control.
Family environment: Unhealthy eating and activity patterns shared within households impact both kids and adults.
Pregnancy weight gain: In some women, excess pregnancy weight becomes permanent without proper postnatal care.
Hormonal imbalances: Conditions like hypothyroidism or PCOS slow down metabolism and promote fat accumulation.
Chronic conditions like arthritis: Reduced mobility due to joint pain often leads to weight gain.
Medications: Drugs such as antidepressants, steroids, and anti-seizure medicines may cause weight gain.
Psychological triggers: Depression, anxiety, and stress eating are common contributors to weight gain.
Age-related slowdown: Metabolism naturally slows down with age, making weight management harder.
Sleep deprivation: Lack of quality sleep impacts hormones that regulate hunger and fullness.
Gut health imbalance: A poor gut microbiome can affect digestion, absorption, and fat storage.

Insight from a global study

A study published on ResearchGate in the Tantia University Journal of Homoeopathy and Medical Science states that homeopathy plays a vital role in managing obesity and preventing related complications by addressing the root causes through individualised treatment.

Why Early Identification Matters

Prevents long-term conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and fatty liver.
Makes weight loss easier with early, minor lifestyle corrections.
Helps build awareness and mental clarity about food and health.
Reduces the emotional toll of late-stage obesity and its complications.

Find Your Obesity Cause Early

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How Dr Batra’s Homeopathy-Based B-Fit Program Tackles Root Causes of Obesity

Identifies the real trigger behind your weight gain through detailed consultations.
Personalised homeopathy plan for hormonal balance and metabolism correction.
Involves a team of experts, doctor, a nutritionist, and a fitness coach, to guide you.
Encourages lifestyle modification through regular follow-ups and coaching.
Completely safe and non-invasive, without crash diets or harmful chemicals.

Dr Batra’s^® pro tip:

If your weight gain feels sudden, stubborn, or unexplained, consider factors beyond food and activity. Hormones, mental health, and even your daily routine could be the hidden triggers.

Homeopathy vs Conventional Treatment – A Comparison

Aspect	Homeopathy	Conventional Treatment
Addresses key obesity triggers like hormonal to lifestyle
No side effects
Highly personalised treatment
Focuses on long-term balance
Includes emotional and lifestyle support
Safe for all age groups
Avoids dependency on chemical drugs
Supports sustainable weight management
Works on improving overall well-being

Quick Tips to Manage Obesity

Eat mindfully – Choose whole grains, fruits, and veggies; control portions.
Avoid junk food – Cut down on sugary drinks, fried foods, and refined carbs.
Stay active – Walk, stretch, or do light workouts every day.
Sleep well – Get 7–8 hours to support metabolism.
Manage stress – Try meditation, journaling, or deep breathing.

Lose Weight the Right Way

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Conclusion

Obesity is influenced by diet, activity, hormones, genes, and emotional well-being.
Factors like age, gut health, and sleep can quietly contribute to weight gain.
Addressing root causes early improves results and avoids complications.
The right support system, like Dr Batra’s B-Fit program, offers long-term transformation.

References

FAQs

Obesity in adults is often caused by a combination of poor dietary choices, lack of physical activity, high stress levels, and hormonal imbalances. These factors can disrupt metabolism, increase fat storage, and lead to weight gain over time if not addressed properly.

Yes, emotional stress can significantly impact weight. Stress hormones like cortisol may increase appetite and cravings, especially for high-calorie comfort foods. Over time, emotional eating and inactivity triggered by stress can contribute to unhealthy weight gain and make it difficult to lose weight.

Certain medications, including antidepressants, corticosteroids, and antipsychotics, can lead to weight gain by affecting appetite, metabolism, or water retention. If you suspect your medication is causing weight gain, consult your doctor before making any changes to your treatment.

No, overeating is just one factor. Obesity can also result from genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances, emotional stress, medical conditions, and sedentary habits. Even those with a normal diet may struggle with weight if other contributing factors are at play.

Dr Batra’s offers a personalised treatment plan that combines homeopathy, nutritional guidance, and fitness support. This holistic approach helps address the root causes, like hormonal issues, emotional triggers, and metabolism, ensuring safe, long-term, and side-effect-free weight management.