Obesity is not a black and white issue. There are many underlying causes of obesity, and many different ways to treat it. Some methods work for some and not for others.
Now, researchers know why.
A recent Yorkshire Health Study took a look at a group of 4,000 obese adults and was able to place them into six distinct groups.
Young healthy females – women who were obese, but generally had fewer obesity-related complications, such as type 2 diabetes
Heavy-drinking males – as above, but with higher alcohol intake
Unhappy and anxious middle-aged – predominantly women with poor mental health and wellbeing
Affluent and healthy elderly – generally positive health, but defining characteristics of higher alcohol intake and high blood pressure
Physically sick but happy elderly – older people with more chronic diseases, such as osteoarthritis, but good mental health
Poorest health – people who were the most economically deprived and had the greatest number of chronic diseases
This research is important because understanding the underlying
causes of obesity can help a person combat it. This is a huge step
forward in obesity treatment, but more research needs to be done.
Although the pictures shown above, do not have to do with this study,
understanding where one holds weight is essential to losing it.