Identify five factors at play in the increasing numbers of overweight and obese Americans

Answer 1

(Answers can include any five of the following)
A variety of factors, ranging from behavior to environment to genetics, played a role in the increase in overweight and obesity in the United States. These factors include:

1) Bigger portions: The size of many popular restaurant and packaged foods has increased two to five times during the past 20 years
2) Consuming more calories than we burn: Among adults, average daily in take has fallen by about 75 calories. However, Americans may still not be getting enough exercise to burn the calories they do consume.
3) Fast food: Young adults who eat frequently at fast-food restaurants gain more weight and develop metabolic abnormalities that increase their risk of diabetes in early middle age.
4) Physical inactivity: The heaviest individualstend to move the least.
5) Passive entertainment: Television viewing is a culprit in an estimated 30 percent of new cases of obesity.
6) Emotional eating: College students who are bored or have difficulty coping with negative emotions are likely to eat when they have nothing else to do or are feeling upset.
7) Genetics: Scientists have identified a particular variation in a gene associated with fat mass and obesity, called FTO, which increases the risk of excess weight by 20 to 30 percent.However, physical activity can counteract its effect.
8) Social networks: Friends may have a significant effect on the risk of obesity. Young adults who are overweight or obese tend to befriend and date people who also have weight problems.
9) Marriage: Although marriage confers many health benefits, it also puts on pounds—particularly among the happily married.