There are multiple factors that can contribute to an individual’s weight gain, including their genetic makeup, their eating habits, their stress levels and the frequency and duration of their exercise sessions. But did you know that where you live can also have a notable impact on whether you are likely to gain weight? Recent scientific research has shown that environmental factors can contribute to obesity.

Factors That Can Cause Weight Gain

Our Gwinnett medical clinic doctors have determined that several common environmental factors can encourage weight gain, including:

  • If residents have to walk distances of more than 10 minutes to get to stores, churches, restaurants and other popular destinations
  • If it’s difficult or dangerous to use walking or bicycling as a means of transportation
  • An overall lack of parks, green space or other recreational areas
  • If residents feel unsafe being outdoors
  • A high presence of fast food restaurants
  • A lack of availability of fresh produce and whole foods

How To Fight It

Most people living in the Atlanta suburbs suffer from one or more of the above environmental factors and this has led to us having a problem with weight gain as a city. Our Lawrenceville doctors know the only way to overcome environmental contributors to weight gain is to fight back.

Take extra steps to get incidental exercise, like walking to a friend’s house on the weekend or using your bike to run errands once a week. If you have parks and green space, take advantage of them to exercise in. If you don’t, be aware of that lack and find a safe gym or sports club to join. Be sure to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid overly processed foods like fast food. If you are having trouble finding unprocessed food in your neighborhood, do some research or ask us for tips.

If you are looking to lose weight, but have been struggling due to environmental factors or other issues, we encourage you to come into our medical weight loss center in Lawrenceville. Our caring, sympathetic staff will help you to figure out the best way for you to lose the weight and keep it off.