Several key factors have been associated with obesity:Genetics: This has not yet been proven beyond a reasonable doubt, but researchers believe they have found a gene responsible for obesity.Diet: One of the most important factors. Diet involves the type of food, the amount of food consumed, the frequency with which the food is consumed, and the ratios of macronutrients in the food consumed. Physical activity level: This is also a very important factor, ranking (no pun intended) just behind diet in order of importance. Increasing activity levels can help increase metabolism and balance some hormone levels if not taken to extremes (less than 2 hours per day). Metabolism: Metabolism is the rate at which calories are burned by performing various activities (including rest), it can be affected by diet, activity levels, general health and some medications. Decreased thyroid function: causes hormonal imbalance and affects metabolism. Other Diseases: See Chapter 5, Many diseases affect the body's ability to digest and assimilate food properly, leading to the accumulation of excess fat. Emotions: a major component of the problem, can lead to lethargy (inactivity) and overeating, low self-esteem and a seemingly endless cycle of hopelessness and indifference. Ethnic background/cultural behaviors: Cultural and religious traditions often revolve around food, and studies have shown that people eat up to 40% more than normal in a social context. An example of this is that most people say they gain weight during the holidays. Economic Situation: Lack of financial resources often leads to purchasing inexpensive, “nutritionally challenged” foods (a newly coined politically correct term for food that is BAD for you!) .Artificial Food Ingredients:… ... middle of paper......essential fatty acids. None of these wonderful benefits remain in white flour. White flour is wheat that has been ground into flour, has had all the bran and endosperm (the parts with all the health benefits) removed, and then is chemically processed to get that beautiful white color and greater shelf life. Of course they "enrich" it by adding many vitamins and minerals... not like before, however, they get them from rocks which are, obviously, much less usable in the body. Many people find themselves developing skin rashes and other allergy symptoms resulting from consuming white flour products. It affects your ability to concentrate, contributing to the ADHD epidemic, and adds empty carbohydrate calories, contributing to weight gain. I honestly wonder if you could find more nutrition and flavor by chewing on a cardboard box (don't try this at home!).