


Risk factors for obesity include:

Poor Diet

The following dietary habits can increase your risk of obesity:

  • A diet of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods
  • Consuming more calories than you burn each day
  • Eating quickly, or when you feel full

    Lack of Sleep

    Not getting enough sleep may put children at risk for obesity. How much sleep in enough for kids? Here are general recommendations:

  • Aged 5 years or younger—11 hours or more
  • 5-10 years—10 hours or more
  • 10 years or older—9 hours or more
  • Lack of Physical Activity

    If you don’t get enough physical activity you are likely to burn fewer calories than you eat each day, thus increasing your risk of becoming obese. For children, too little exercise and spending too much time watching TV or playing on the computer can increase their risk of gaining weight and becoming obese.

    Working Varied Shifts

    Working shifts at different times of the day and night increases your risk of becoming obese.

    Medical Conditions and Medications

    Certain medications and hormonal imbalances, such as hypothyroid and Cushing’s disease, increase your risk of obesity.





    The incidence of obesity more than doubles between the ages of 20 and 55. However, this may be related to a decrease in activity levels. A recent study found that within 30 years, over half of a large group of normal-weight men and women became overweight.

    Genetic Factors

    Rare hereditary diseases may increase the risk of obesity.

    In addition, obesity may run in families. For example, if parents are overweight, their child may be at a higher risk of being overweight, as well. Both genetic and lifestyle factors could play a role in the child's excess weight.


    There is a higher incidence of obesity among certain races or ethnic groups. In the US, obesity more African American women and Hispanic women than white women. In US men, Hispanic men are most often affected. For children, being African American, Hispanic, or Native American increases their risk of obesity.

    Childhood Trauma

    Harsh physical punishment or abuse during childhood may increase the risk of obesity in adults. There is a higher incidence of obesity in adults who were raised in such environments.

    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

    Women with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at increased risk of developing obesity.