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Risk Factors for Obesity

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Risk Factors for Obesity

A risk factor is something that raises a person's chances of getting a health problem. A person can have obesity with or without the risks below. The more risks a person has, the greater the chances are.

Obesity is more common in older adults. Other things that can raise the risk are:

Genetics

Obesity is more common in people who:

  • Have parents with obesity
  • Have certain inherited diseases (rare)

References

  • Heymsfield SB, Wadden TA. Mechanisms, pathophysiology, and management of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2017;376(3):254-266.
  • Obesity. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/nutritional-disorders/obesity-and-the-metabolic-syndrome/obesity. Accessed May 6, 2022.
  • Obesity in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/obesity-in-adults. Accessed May 6, 2022.
  • Obesity in children and adolescents. EBSCO DynaMed website. https://www.dynamed.com/condition/obesity-in-children-and-adolescents. Accessed May 6, 2022.
  • Risk factors. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/obe/risks. Accessed May 6, 2022.

Contributors

  • Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
Last Updated:
2022-03-07

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.