9 Reasons Why Obesity is Not Only Choice

In 2012, up to 35% of US adults and 17% of teens were obese (1).

Many people blame obesity on poor dietary choices and inactivity, but it’s not always that simple.

Other factors can have powerful effects on body weight and obesity, some of which are outside of the person’s control.

These include genetics, environmental factors, certain medical conditions and more.

This article lists 9 compelling reasons why obesity is not just a choice.

1. Genetics and Prenatal Factors

Health is especially important during early life, as this affects health later on. In fact, a lot can be determined while the fetus is still in the womb (2).

The mother’s diet and lifestyle choices matter a great deal, and may influence the baby’s future behaviors and body composition.

Do Multivitamins Really Work? The Surprising Truth

Multivitamins are the most commonly used supplements in the world.

Their popularity has increased rapidly in the past few decades (1, 2).

Some people believe that multivitamins can improve health, make up for poor eating habits or even reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

But what does the science say about multivitamins? Do they actually work?

This article takes an evidence-based look.

What Are Multivitamins?

Multivitamins are supplemented that contain many different vitamins and minerals, sometimes along with other ingredients (3).