Posted On: July 26, 2007, 2:58 pm CDT

Posted By: Pickens

"Obesity is a complex disease for which no single cause or cure exists."

"Other things can affect ... weight, such as family history or genetics. If one of your parents is obese, you are 3 times as likely to be obese as someone with parents of healthy weight."

"Other things influence your weight and whether you are physically active, including:
* Low self-esteem. Being overweight or obese may lower your self-esteem and lead to eating as a way to comfort yourself. Repeated failure at dieting also can affect your self-esteem and make it even more difficult to lose weight.
* Emotional concerns. Emotional stress, anxiety, or illnesses such as depression or chronic pain can lead to overeating. Some people eat to calm themselves, to avoid dealing with unpleasant tasks or situations, or to dampen negative emotions.
* Trauma. Distressing events, such as childhood sexual, physical, or emotional abuse; loss of a parent during childhood; or marital or family problems, can contribute to overeating.
* Alcohol. Alcohol (beer and mixed drinks) is very high in calories. Drinking alcohol may cause you to gain more weight around your stomach.
* Medicines or medical conditions. Some medical conditions and medicines may also cause weight gain. Examples include having Cushing's syndrome or hypothyroidism or taking antidepressants or corticosteroids."

-- WebMD.com