Reasons for Obesity - What Causes Weight Gain?

Obesity rarely has a single cause. In this video, Dr. Vikram Lotwala, bariatric surgeon in Surat, explains the most common causes of obesity and why losing weight is harder than simply eating less.

Common causes of obesity 

• Diet: Regular intake of high-calorie, processed and sugary foods, large portions and frequent snacking.
• Physical inactivity: Desk jobs, long screen time and little daily movement.
• Genetics: Obesity often runs in families, as genes affect appetite and how the body stores fat.
• Hormonal conditions: Hypothyroidism, PCOS and, rarely, Cushing’s syndrome can lead to weight gain.
• Medicines: Some drugs, such as steroids and certain antidepressants, can increase weight.
• Poor sleep and stress: Lack of sleep and chronic stress disturb hunger hormones and increase cravings.

In most people, several causes of obesity work together rather than just one.

Why losing weight is so hard 

When you lose weight through dieting, the body responds by increasing hunger and slowing metabolism to protect its fat stores. This is why many people regain weight after a diet. For people with severe obesity, medical treatment, including bariatric surgery, can help overcome this by changing hunger signals and how the body handles food.

Book a consultation with Dr. Vikram Lotwala to find the causes of obesity in your case and the right treatment for you in Surat.

Dr. Vikram Lotwala
Laparoscopic & Bariatric Surgeon
Wings Hospital, 1st Floor, Abhilasha Apartments, Madhuvan Circle, L P Savani Road, Surat, Gujarat
Phone: +91 99099 66056

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a thyroid problem cause obesity?

An underactive thyroid can cause some weight gain, but it is rarely the only reason for obesity. A blood test can check thyroid function.

Is obesity genetic?

Genes increase the risk, but lifestyle and environment decide how much that risk shows up.

Can PCOS cause weight gain?

Yes. PCOS affects hormones and insulin, which makes it easier to gain weight, especially around the abdomen, and harder to lose it. Losing even a small amount of weight can improve PCOS symptoms.

Why do I gain weight even though I eat very little?

Hidden calories in drinks, snacks and cooking oil, slower metabolism after repeated dieting, poor sleep, stress and hormonal problems can all play a part. A medical check-up can help find the real cause.

Can my medicines cause weight gain? Should I stop them?

Some medicines, such as steroids, certain antidepressants and some diabetes medicines, can cause weight gain. Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Talk to your doctor, who may be able to adjust the dose or suggest an alternative.