What causes obesity? Although there are genetic, behavioural, metabolic and hormonal influences on body weight, Obesity is generally caused by eating too much and moving too little. If you consume high amounts of energy than you burn in daily activity and exercise — on a long-term basis — can lead to obesity. Over time, these extra calories add up and cause weight gain or obesity.
But it’s not always just about calories in and calories out, or having a sedentary lifestyle. While those are indeed causes of obesity, some causes you can’t control.