Why we get fat

With so much hype in the media about the obesity epidemic that is sweeping the nation, it is easy to be confused about where our weight gain really comes from.
There are only 2 main reasons we get fat. They are:
Increase in energy intake (what we put in our mouths)
OR
Decrease in energy expenditure (Activity levels)
There are considerations which can influence these 2 reasons such as genetics, medical problems (E.g. Thyroid), Disease (E.g. Diabetes), gender, age, history of dieting, slow metabolism, and medications. These considerations have a role to play in body weight balance and can be managed. Either way, it is all too easy to use them as an excuse for being fat.
Factors which may influence energy intake are:
Foods high in sugar/high glycemic foods (High GI)
Late night eating
Irregular eating
Too much fat
Too much total intake of energy for the day
Social eating / food intake with alcohol
Extreme hunger
Consistent eating
Overindulge eating (Binge)
Factors which may influence Energy expenditure are:
Lack of planned activity/exercise
Sedentary job
Discomfort/injury/incapacity
Self perception /consciousness
Personal commitments
Fear (crime, injury, failure, success etc)
Lack of awareness
Inactive transport to/from work
The weather / Environment
Take home message
Making changes with energy intake or energy expenditure are the only two ways likely to be bring success in the treatment of what make us fat.