Globally the main cause of obesity is through consumption of more energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods with high levels of sugar, combined with reduced physical activity.

Obesity can also be caused or contributed to through one or a combination of the following:

• The genes you inherited from your parents
• How well your body turns food into energy (your metabolism)
• Your racial/ethnic group
• Your age
• Limited mobility or movement
• Illness or medication
• Psychological factors