Obesity is not just about food, it's a complex issue! Discover factors beyond diet that raise the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

At Fernz Wellness in Los Angeles, we’ve sat across from countless clients who’ve wondered why they can’t lose weight. It’s a question that deserves a better answer than “Eat less and move more.” From what we’ve seen over the years, obesity is a complex, layered condition, not a simple result of too many cookies or not enough gym time. It’s about so much more than diet. It’s about your hormones, your sleep, your digestion, your emotions, your stress levels, your genes, and sometimes even the air you breathe or the meds you’re on.

We’ve worked with people who were doing everything “right”, clean eating, physical activity, meditation, and still struggling. That’s because weight gain isn’t always a choice, and it definitely isn’t a sign of laziness or lack of discipline. Obesity is a chronic condition with many different contributors, and each person’s situation is unique. In fact, some of the most frustrating struggles come from causes that are totally invisible from the outside, like insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, or hormonal imbalance.

Whether you’re trying to understand your own body better or you’re supporting someone you love, you deserve honest information, free of shame. Every body is different, and the more we understand what’s really going on under the surface, the more empowered we are to make changes that actually work.

Our stance has always been to support whole-body wellness, not crash diets. You deserve to feel good in your body, and sometimes, that starts with feeling understood.

What Is Obesity, Really?

When we talk about obesity, it’s easy to imagine what the world has told us it looks like. But we’re not just talking about a number on the scale or the size of someone’s clothes. Obesity is a medical condition, and for many people, it comes with real, serious health risks, like high blood pressure, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and even heart disease. But that doesn’t mean it looks the same for everyone, or that every person with a higher body weight is automatically unhealthy. That’s where understanding the full picture really matters.

Obesity means that the body is carrying too much body fat, fat that may be affecting your organs, hormones, metabolism, and energy levels. The tricky part is that there are so many reasons a body might store fat. It’s not just about consuming too many calories. Hormones, inflammation, lack of sleep, chronic stress, certain antidepressants, metabolic conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, and even environmental factors can all play a role.

How Obesity Is Diagnosed

Doctors often use a few basic tools to help diagnose obesity, and the one you’ve probably heard most about is the Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated based on your height and weight. A BMI over 30 is classified as obese, while a BMI between 25 and 29.9 falls into the overweight category. Sounds simple, right?

BMI doesn’t tell the whole story. It doesn’t measure how much muscle you have, where your fat is stored, or how healthy your organs are. For example, two people with the same BMI might have very different risk factors. One might be metabolically healthy with a strong heart and balanced blood sugar, and the other might be dealing with insulin resistance, high cholesterol, and fatty liver disease.

That’s why some doctors and wellness professionals also look at waist circumference, which can offer more insight into how much fat is being stored around your organs, the kind that can increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease. In men, a waist circumference over 40 inches and in women over 35 inches may indicate a greater risk for obesity-related health problems.

In our practice, we’ve learned to never rely on just one number. We look at how someone feels in their body, how their digestion is functioning, their energy levels, their hormone balance, it all matters.

Symptoms and Causes

The symptoms of obesity can vary so much. On the surface, there are the more visible signs: weight gain, trouble fitting into clothes, or shortness of breath when walking up stairs. But the internal symptoms, those are the ones people often don’t connect to weight.

People with obesity often describe feeling constantly tired, foggy, or moody. Some experience low back pain, joint aches, swelling in the feet or hands, or frequent headaches. Others deal with digestive issues that seem unrelated, like bloating, constipation, or reflux, but trust us, they’re often connected. These signs may point to underlying health issues like inflammation, sluggish elimination, or even liver strain.

One thing we hear a lot is, “I feel stuck.” That mental and emotional heaviness is just as real as the physical symptoms, and it’s something we never overlook. Obesity may come with serious health implications, but it also comes with a quality of life impact, and that matters just as much. Feeling disconnected from your body, frustrated by symptoms, or emotionally weighed down by all the mixed messages out there is part of the picture too.

Understanding these symptoms helps us begin to connect the dots. It’s not just about what someone’s eating, it’s about what’s happening in the whole system, hormones, gut function, lymphatic flow, sleep patterns, stress response. And when we approach obesity from this wider lens, things begin to make more sense, and progress starts to feel possible.

Understanding the Root Causes of Obesity

One of the most common, and frankly, frustrating, misunderstandings we hear is that obesity is simply about eating too much. That if someone is overweight or obese, it must mean they’re just not disciplined enough with their food. But as practitioners who work closely with people every day, we know this just isn’t true. Obesity is a complex condition, and reducing it down to food choices alone is not only inaccurate, it’s also deeply unfair.

We’ve met so many people who eat well, watch their portions, avoid high-calorie foods, and still find themselves gaining weight or unable to lose it. And that’s not because they’re “doing something wrong.” It’s because there are many systems in the body that influence body fat, and they don’t always respond predictably. From hormonal imbalances to chronic inflammation, from stress and emotional trauma to underlying medical conditions, the causes of obesity are multi-layered, and often completely invisible from the outside.

And then there’s the emotional toll. Carrying extra weight in a world that equates thinness with health and worthiness can be exhausting. The shame people feel often makes it even harder to figure out what’s really going on.

Obesity may be influenced by what we eat, but it's also shaped by how we live, how we feel, how we sleep, what we've been through, the air we breathe, the medications we take, and even how well we eliminate waste from our body.

Hormones

Your hormones run the show. You can eat “perfectly,” go to the gym five days a week, and still feel stuck if your hormones are out of balance. That’s because hormones are your body’s internal messaging system, and when the signals are off, your metabolism, appetite, and fat storage patterns shift, often in ways you can’t feel until something is really off.

Let’s take insulin as an example. This hormone helps regulate blood sugar. When you eat, insulin moves sugar from your blood into your cells for energy. But if your body starts ignoring insulin, a condition known as insulin resistance, sugar stays in your bloodstream, and your body ends up storing more fat, especially around the belly. This is a huge risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and it’s something we see in people who are otherwise eating well but struggling with stubborn weight gain.

Then there’s cortisol, often called the “stress hormone.” Cortisol plays a big role in appetite, sleep, and energy. When your stress levels are high for too long, your body starts storing fat, especially around the midsection, and you may notice increased cravings for sugary or salty foods. Elevated cortisol levels can also cause poor sleep, low energy, and even a weakened immune system.

Leptin and ghrelin are the two main hormones that control hunger and fullness. If they’re not functioning properly, which can happen with chronic dieting, poor sleep, or certain health conditions, your body might not signal you when you’re full, or it might keep signaling hunger even when you’ve eaten enough.

And for women, estrogen can also be a big factor. When estrogen levels are too high or too low, which happens with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or during perimenopause, the body may store more body fat and make it harder to lose weight, even when you’re doing everything right.

Poor Digestion and Sluggish Elimination

You can be eating the best diet in the world, but if you’re not eliminating well, your body is going to struggle. Digestion and elimination are like the cleanup crew of your body. When that process slows down, waste builds up, and your system starts to feel stuck — quite literally.

People usually think of poor digestion as something minor, maybe some gas or bloating here and there. But in our practice, we see how it can have a ripple effect on your whole system. When your digestion is sluggish, your body has a harder time absorbing nutrients, getting rid of excess hormones, and clearing out what it no longer needs. That’s when you start noticing water retention, constipation, skin breakouts, or that “puffy” feeling that no amount of exercise seems to touch.

Gas, bloating, and irregular bowel movements aren’t just uncomfortable, they’re signs that your body might be holding onto more than it should. And when waste stays in the colon too long, it can actually start to reabsorb into your bloodstream, leading to more inflammation and more difficulty with weight loss.

We’ve had clients come in with low energy, mood swings, and belly weight that wouldn’t budge, and once we got their digestion moving again, everything started to shift. That’s the power of proper elimination.

How Colon Hydrotherapy Can Support a Healthier Gut

Colon hydrotherapy is a gentle way of supporting the body’s natural ability to release waste and improve digestive function. It’s about helping the colon function more effectively, so your body can do what it’s meant to do.

During a session, we’re able to observe a lot, not just how you eliminate, but signs of dehydration, gut sensitivity, and how well your body responds to gentle stimulation. Every session is different, because every body is different. Sometimes what we see gives us clues about food sensitivities, yeast overgrowth, or inflammation that a client didn’t even know was there.

When elimination improves, clients often notice more energy, clearer skin, a calmer mind, and yes, sometimes a shift in body weight, especially when constipation was playing a bigger role than they realized.

At home, supporting elimination doesn’t have to be complicated. Stay hydrated with mineral-rich water. Move your body daily, even light movement like walking or stretching helps stimulate digestion. Eat meals that combine high fiber foods, healthy fats, and protein to keep things moving. And most importantly, listen to your body. If something feels off, whether it’s constant bloating, irregular bowel movements, or that “stuck” feeling, that’s your body asking for support.

Colon cleanse hydrotherapy isn’t the only tool, but from our experience, it’s one of the most effective, especially when paired with lifestyle changes that nourish and support your whole system.

See the benefits of a colon cleanse here.

Emotional Eating and the Stress Connection

Let’s be honest, food isn’t just about fuel. It’s comfort, it’s relief, it’s distraction. And that’s not a character flaw, it’s human nature. We see this a lot, people come in feeling like they’ve failed because they “caved” and ate something they weren’t planning to.

But when we really talk about what was going on in that moment, it almost always leads back to stress, fatigue, or emotional overwhelm. This is where emotional eating comes into the picture, and it’s a bigger part of the obesity conversation than most people realize.

How Stress Affects Cravings and Appetite

Stress has a sneaky way of altering your appetite and nudging you toward foods that feel soothing in the moment, usually something high in sugar, salt, or fat. That’s not just a mental craving, it’s a physical one. When you're under stress, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that can increase hunger and drive you to consume more calories than you actually need. It’s your body's ancient survival system kicking in. But when that stress is chronic, work pressure, parenting demands, emotional exhaustion, financial worry, your cortisol never really shuts off. Over time, this can increase your risk of weight gain, especially around the abdomen, and throw your natural hunger cues completely off.

From what we see in real life, these patterns are rarely about food itself. They’re about trying to soothe or manage something deeper. Someone might be eating because they’re lonely, tired, anxious, or even bored, and then feel guilty afterward, which only fuels the cycle.

Also, emotional eating doesn’t always look like binging. It can be that extra handful of granola late at night, that third coffee with sugar during a hectic day, or reaching for something sweet after an argument. These small moments can build up over time, leading to weight gain and more frustration.

Techniques We Recommend for Emotional Regulation

One of our go-to recommendations is breathwork before meals, just a few deep, intentional breaths to calm the nervous system before eating can make a huge difference. When your body is relaxed, you’re less likely to eat in a rush or to use food as a way to ground yourself. It sounds basic, but we’ve seen this simple shift help people reconnect to their real hunger cues.

Another favorite is walking right after meals. This doesn’t have to be a power walk, just a slow, 10-minute stroll is enough. It helps regulate blood sugar, improves digestion, and offers a gentle pause that separates eating from emotional spirals.

Sedentary Lifestyles and Physical Inactivity

We hear it all the time: “I don’t have time to work out” or “I’m too tired to exercise.” And we get it. The pressure to be “fit” can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re already exhausted or not feeling comfortable in your body. But physical activity doesn’t have to mean spending an hour at the gym or sweating through intense workouts. It’s really about movement, and how often your body is in motion during the day.

How Lack of Physical Activity Raises the Risk of Obesity

When we sit for long stretches of time, whether that’s at a desk, in a car, or on the couch, our muscles get less engaged, our circulation slows down, and our metabolism starts to drift into low gear. Over time, this can lead to muscle loss, which decreases the amount of energy your body burns at rest. That’s one reason a sedentary lifestyle may contribute to weight gain, even if your food choices haven’t changed much.

Lack of movement also affects your mood, and when your mood drops, your energy drops too, making it harder to stay motivated. We often see this domino effect in people who are recovering from an injury or going through a stressful time,first comes the inactivity, then the sleep disruption, then the sugar cravings, and before long, they’re feeling stuck and out of sync with their own body.

It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing something. Even small shifts can help your body feel more supported and reduce the risk of obesity. Movement doesn’t just burn calories, it helps regulate hormones, improves circulation, and keeps your metabolism from slowing down too much.

Environmental Factors and Toxins

This is a topic that’s often overlooked but incredibly important, especially in today’s world. So many people are doing everything “right,” and still struggling with weight gain. When we dig deeper, one of the factors we often explore is environmental exposure to toxins. Some of the chemicals we’re exposed to every day, without even thinking about it, can affect hormones, inflammation, and metabolism in ways that are very real.

Hidden Chemicals That May Contribute to Weight Gain

Plastics, especially when used to store or heat food, can leach substances like BPA and phthalates into what we eat and drink. These chemicals have been linked to hormonal disruption, especially around estrogen, and may contribute to increased fat storage over time.

Then there’s processed food packaging, those shiny wrappers and microwave-safe containers aren’t always safe. Add in household products like air fresheners, nonstick pans, conventional cleaning sprays, and even some personal care items, and it’s easy to see how we might be taking in small amounts of hormone-disrupting chemicals all day long.

It’s not about eliminating every possible exposure, that’s not realistic. But if you’re struggling with unexplained symptoms or obesity-related health problems, this is one piece of the puzzle that’s worth exploring.

How Toxins Disrupt Hormones and Inflammation

So how do these environmental toxins actually impact weight gain and obesity? Many of them act as what are called “endocrine disruptors.” In simple terms, they mimic or interfere with the body’s natural hormones, especially the ones involved in appetite, fat storage, and blood sugar regulation. Some of them are what we call obesogens, substances that actually encourage fat storage and can make it harder to lose weight, even if you’re eating well.

Toxins can also trigger low-grade inflammation, which puts stress on your liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system, all of which play a role in how well your body processes and eliminates waste. In our experience, when someone is feeling constantly bloated, puffy, or “toxic,” it’s often not just about food. Their elimination pathways are overburdened, and their hormones are being pulled in too many directions at once.

We always recommend small, manageable changes: switching to a glass water bottle, using fragrance-free laundry soap, airing out your home daily. These shifts might seem small, but they reduce your toxic load.

Genetics and Family History

Some people say, “Everyone in my family is overweight, so I guess I’m just destined to be this way.” And while there’s definitely truth in the fact that genetics may play a role, it’s not the full story, and it’s certainly not a sentence. Understanding how your gene expression works is actually empowering, because it helps you see what you can influence and where you might need more support.

How Your Genes May Play a Role

Certain genes affect how we store fat, how quickly we burn calories, and even how we respond to carbohydrates or fats in our diet. Some people naturally have a lower tolerance for processed foods. Others might have inherited traits that influence their waist circumference, their appetite regulation, or how efficiently they convert food into energy.

There are also genetic links to conditions like hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome, and insulin resistance, all of which can contribute to obesity in adults. These aren't things you can control directly, but knowing they exist helps you understand what might be going on beneath the surface.

Why Genes Aren’t Destiny

Here’s the encouraging part, even if your genes increase your risk for obesity, they don’t make it inevitable. This is where lifestyle choices really come into play, nutrition and physical activity, sleep habits, stress levels, and how well you eliminate waste all affect how your genes are expressed.

We’ve had clients who came from a long line of people with diabetes and heart disease, and still found their way to vibrant health by making small but steady changes. They moved more, supported their digestion, balanced their hormones, and got curious instead of defeated.

Genes might load the gun, but it’s your habits and environment that pull the trigger. And that’s where you have power. The body wants to heal, and when we give it the right conditions, not punishment, not restriction, but real, loving support, it often surprises us in the best ways.

Medical Conditions That Cause Weight Gain

Many people are living with underlying health conditions that are quietly affecting their body weight, and they don’t even know it. These aren’t rare diseases, they’re fairly common, but often missed or misunderstood, especially when weight gain is the main (or only) symptom. This is why understanding what’s really going on inside your body is so important when you're trying to treat obesity or get to the root of stubborn weight gain.

Conditions Often Missed or Misunderstood

Let’s start with hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid, a small gland in your neck, isn’t producing enough hormones. The thyroid helps regulate metabolism, so when it’s underactive, everything slows down. You may feel tired, cold, foggy, constipated, or like your appetite has changed in weird ways. You might feel burned out but in reality, your body can be under-functioning due to a medical condition that requires proper support.

Then there’s PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), which affects hormone levels in women and often leads to insulin resistance, irregular periods, facial hair, and unexplainable weight gain, especially around the belly. PCOS is one of the most common causes of obesity in women of reproductive age, but it’s still underdiagnosed. And the thing is, many women don’t even know they have it until they start digging deeper into their symptoms.

Insulin resistance on its own (with or without PCOS) can make it incredibly hard to lose weight, because your body is in a constant cycle of trying to balance blood sugar and store energy. It’s often a precursor to type 2 diabetes and can contribute to fatigue, cravings, and even mood swings.

And yes, even certain antidepressants and mood stabilizers can lead to weight gain by affecting appetite, metabolism, or water retention. This doesn’t mean you should stop taking them, but it does mean the conversation around weight needs to include medication history. We always encourage people to talk to their prescribing doctor if they suspect their meds might be part of the picture, there are often alternative options or supportive strategies available.

When to Ask for Bloodwork

So how do you know if something deeper is going on? One of the best things you can do is ask for a thorough blood panel. And we mean more than just a basic check-up. In our experience, the most helpful tests to ask for include a full thyroid panel (not just TSH — ask for Free T3 and Free T4 as well), fasting insulin, A1C (to check average blood sugar), and markers for inflammation like CRP.

If you suspect hormonal imbalance, testing estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol can provide helpful insights. Even basic labs like vitamin D or iron can show imbalances that affect your metabolism and energy. Knowledge really is power, and having real data makes it easier to create a treatment plan that works with your body, not against it.

Inflammation and Water Retention

Inflammation is your body’s natural defense mechanism, but when it lingers, it can start to do more harm than good. Chronic inflammation slows down metabolism, disrupts hormones, messes with digestion, and can lead to fluid retention, especially in the belly, legs, or under the eyes. You might feel achy, bloated, swollen, or like your skin looks dull and tired. You may not see a visible injury, but your body is basically working overtime behind the scenes, trying to manage an internal storm.

This kind of inflammation doesn’t just show up on a lab test, it shows up in how you feel. It’s a different kind of discomfort that often gets brushed off, but it matters, especially when you're trying to understand your risk of obesity or figure out why your weight won’t budge.

How Electro-Lymphatic Drainage Can Help

We offer electro lymphatic therapy at Fernz Wellness in Los Angeles to support the lymphatic system, which is essentially your body’s natural waste-removal and immune support system. When the lymph is sluggish, toxins and fluids can build up, leading to swelling, fatigue, and more inflammation. And when it’s flowing well, people often feel lighter, clearer, and more energized, it can also help with cellulite reduction.

During a session, we use gentle, vibrational tools to stimulate lymph flow. It’s not painful, and most clients find it deeply relaxing. We’ve had people tell us they feel like they lost pounds of pressure afterward, not because of fat loss, but because they’re not holding on to so much trapped fluid anymore. It’s not a cure, but it’s an incredibly helpful tool for management and treatment of inflammation-related symptoms.

The Role of Sleep in Obesity

When you don’t get enough rest, your body goes into a kind of emergency mode. Cortisol increases, your blood sugar regulation goes off track, and insulin resistance can start to build.

This is one reason why chronic sleep deprivation is closely tied to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and even heart disease, all serious conditions associated with obesity.

Poor sleep also affects your hunger hormones. It increases ghrelin, the hormone that makes you hungry, and decreases leptin, the one that tells you you’re full. That combo makes it nearly impossible to eat intuitively, even the most disciplined person will struggle when their hormones are that off-balance. You might also find yourself craving high-calorie, fatty, or sugary foods, which is your body’s way of trying to find quick energy.

High-Calorie Diets and Processed Foods

Let’s wrap this section with something we all know but sometimes forget to look at closely,the quality of what we’re eating. Many foods are high in calories but low in nutrients, and that creates a tricky situation for the body. You’re consuming energy, but not getting the building blocks your body needs to function well. Over time, this can affect metabolism, hormone balance, and lead to weight gain, even when portions aren’t huge.

Why It’s Not Just About Eating Less

A lot of people think they need to just “eat less” to lose weight, but in our experience, that often backfires. The body perceives extreme restriction as a threat, and it starts to slow down.

Instead of focusing only on how many calories you’re eating to get to a healthy weight, we encourage looking at what kind of calories you’re eating. Foods high in refined sugars, processed oils, or artificial additives may satisfy hunger in the short term, but they do little to support your hormones, digestion, or metabolism.

Processed foods can also lead to inflammation, cravings, and blood sugar crashes, which make you feel tired and hungrier than you actually are. That’s why someone can be “eating light” and still feel like they’re constantly hungry or bloated.

Easy Upgrades You Can Make at Home

We’re big believers in simple swaps. Switch out sugary cereals for a high-protein breakfast like eggs or a chia pudding with seeds and nut butter. Choose whole food snacks, think fruit with a handful of almonds, or a hard-boiled egg with cucumber slices, over ultra-processed bars or packaged foods. Cooking at home, even a few times a week, helps you control ingredients and avoid hidden additives that may interfere with your goals.

And if you do eat something packaged, that’s okay too, just read the label. Look for short ingredient lists, and avoid foods that list sugar several different ways or contain a lot of additives you can’t pronounce. Supporting your body doesn’t have to be restrictive, it just has to be consistent and thoughtful.

Fernz Wellness - Los Angeles Colon Hydrotherapy

Learn more about us here and discover how our services can be a vital part of your journey to optimal health. We look forward to supporting you on your journey to better digestive health and improved well-being.

Our address is 5486 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036 and you can also call or text us at (424) 281-9366.

Conclusion

Obesity is not a personal failure. It’s not a lack of willpower, or motivation, or effort. It’s a medical condition. A chronic one. And like any other complex condition, it deserves care, not criticism. We’ve seen this up close, people trying so hard for so long, blaming themselves for what they didn’t know, or for what their bodies were doing without their permission.

We know that when people are truly supported, not judged or pressured, but really supported, that’s when the change starts. We’ve seen clients who felt hopeless come back to life with just a few months of real care and attention. We’ve seen people start sleeping better, digesting better, moving more freely, and finally understanding what their body had been asking for all along.

And while obesity may raise the risk of other conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes, or heart disease, it’s not the full picture of your health or your worth. You are more than your BMI, more than your body fat, more than your waist circumference.

So let’s stop the shame. Let’s stop pretending there’s one way to look or one way to heal. Let’s start supporting each other, with curiosity, with care, and with compassion.

Reach out to us if you have questions. Book a session if you’re curious. Or just come by and say hi, we’d love to meet you. This journey is yours, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is obesity and how is it diagnosed?

Obesity is a chronic disease that involves having too much body fat in a way that impacts your overall health. Doctors typically use a combination of tools to diagnose obesity, including BMI (Body Mass Index) and waist circumference. A high BMI might indicate excess fat, but it's not the only factor. For example, men with a waist circumference over 40 inches or women with a waist over 35 inches may be at higher risk for certain conditions, even if their BMI is borderline. These tools are part of the bigger picture, not the whole story.

What causes obesity?

There’s no single cause. Obesity doesn’t happen just because of overeating. It can be influenced by genetics, hormones, sleep patterns, certain medications, lack of physical activity, gut health, emotional stress, and environmental toxins. This is why one-size-fits-all plans rarely work.

What are the symptoms and health risks of obesity?

Obesity can feel different for everyone. Some people notice low energy, aches, or difficulty moving. Others may struggle with digestive issues or sleep disturbances. But beyond how it feels, obesity increases the risk of more serious conditions, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, cholesterol issues, and even kidney problems. These are just some of the health problems associated with obesity, which is why early support is so important.

Can you be overweight and still be healthy?

Yes, people who are overweight can still be metabolically healthy, especially if they are physically active, have balanced blood sugar, and maintain good cholesterol levels. However, being overweight or obese may still increase the long-term risk of developing chronic conditions, even if current bloodwork looks fine.

Does lack of physical activity really raise the risk of obesity?

Absolutely. When we move less, our metabolism slows, our muscle mass decreases, and we burn fewer calories throughout the day. Over time, lack of physical activity can raise the risk of gaining weight, especially if other factors like stress or hormone imbalance are at play. The good news? Even small bursts of movement, like walking after meals or stretching during screen breaks, can make a big difference.

Can genetics cause obesity?

Yes, genetics may play a role. Some people are born with a predisposition to store more fat or have a slower metabolism. That said, genes are not destiny. Even if you have a family history of obesity, changes can help, especially when you focus on things like sleep, stress, movement, and gut health. Supporting your body in a way that’s personalized to you can make all the difference.

What are some treatment options for obesity?

The best treatment of obesity is one that’s holistic, realistic, and sustainable. That might include working with a practitioner on digestion, stress, physical activity, and diet, or exploring supportive tools like colon hydrotherapy or electro-lymphatic therapy. There’s no one right way to tackle obesity, but there are many effective paths. What matters most is choosing a plan that addresses your unique body and lifestyle.

Is there a link between obesity and hormone imbalance?

Yes, hormones are a major piece of the puzzle. Conditions like metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome are often associated with weight gain, and imbalances in insulin, cortisol, or estrogen can make it harder to lose weight or keep it off. This is one reason why working with someone who understands both nutrition and hormone health can be so helpful.

Can stress or poor sleep really affect my weight?

Yes, in a big way. Chronic stress and poor sleep can both disrupt your hormones, increase inflammation, and mess with your hunger signals, which can lead to weight gain. Supporting your nervous system, improving your sleep hygiene, and building emotional tools can all play a huge role in weight management.

What’s the most important thing to remember if I’m struggling with obesity?

That it’s not your fault. Obesity is a complex condition, and everyone’s body responds to life differently. You are not lazy or weak. You’re human. And with the right support, compassion, and personalized care, real healing is possible.

Additional Resources

Why People Become Overweight - Harvard Health

Obesity - The Nutrition Source - Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Integrating Weight Management in Primary Care - Harvard Medical School

Comprehensive Obesity Treatment Programs for Adults and Children - Columbia University

A Comprehensive Approach to Obesity Treatment - University of Utah School of Medicine

*The services provided by Fernz Wellness are intended for general wellness and educational purposes only. They are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Please consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or wellness routine. Results may vary.

Top Obesity Causes: It’s Not Just About Food