Obesity is impacted by genetic, environmental and physiological factors that affect a patient’s ability to achieve and sustain weight loss1-4
Obesity is impacted by genetic, environmental and physiological factors that affect a patient’s ability to achieve and sustain weight loss1-4
Actor portrayal
Genetic factors1
Genetic
factors1
![Genetic factors in obesity Icon of DNA, representing the genetic factors that affect obesity](/obesity/hcp-education/clinical/chronic-disease/scientific-factors-of-obesity/_jcr_content/root/slab_1329053510/content/container/image.img.png/1621382767119/icon-double-helix.png)
- Influence an individual’s response to the external or environmental factors that can contribute to obesity1
- Account for 40% to 70% of interindividual differences in BMI1
Environmental factors2,3
![Environmental factors in obesity Map of a globe, representing the environmental factors that can affect obesity](/obesity/hcp-education/clinical/chronic-disease/scientific-factors-of-obesity/_jcr_content/root/slab_1329053510/content/container_copy/image.img.png/1621382768391/icon-environmental-factors-in-obesity.png)
- Behaviors conducive to developing obesity can be influenced by societal and environmental factors, including cultural influences and socioeconomic status2,3
Physiological factors4
![Physiological factors in obesity Icon of a knife and fork, representing the physiological factors that affect obesity, including the changes in appetite-regulating hormones that occur after weight loss](/obesity/hcp-education/clinical/chronic-disease/scientific-factors-of-obesity/_jcr_content/root/slab_1329053510/content/container_copy_copy/image.img.png/1621382768234/icon-physiological-factors-and-obesity.png)
- Hormonal adaptation that occurs after weight loss may result in increased signals for energy intake, due to changes in appetite-regulating hormones4
BMI-body mass index
Hormonal adaptation can affect long-term weight loss
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an appetite-regulating hormone. As a patient loses weight, GLP-1 decreases—resulting in an increase in hunger.4,5
References:
- Hebebrand J, Hinney A, Knoll N, et al. Molecular genetic aspects of weight regulation. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2013;110(19):38-344.
- World Health Organization. Obesity: preventing and managing the global epidemic. Report of a WHO consultation. World Health Organ Tech Rep Ser. 2000;894:i-xiii, 1-253.
- Affenito SG, Franko DL, Striegel-Moore RH, Thompson D. Behavioral determinants of obesity: research findings and policy implications. J Obes. 2012;2012:1-4
- Sumithran P, Prendergast LA, Delbridge E, et al. Long-term persistence of hormonal adaptations to weight loss. N Engl J Med. 2011;365(17):1597-160.
- Drucker D. Mechanisms of action and therapeutic application of glucagon-like peptide-1. Cell Metabolism. 2018;27:740-756.