New data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey has unveiled that obesity continues to be a big concern for the US. Americans have made changes in their dietary patterns, but as per a new study from Cornell, there are many other factors to play beyond food.

Between 2013 and 2014, around 40% of adults and over 17% of youngsters were obese in the US. But a decade back, around 32% of adults and 17% of youth were obese. The figures show that obesity continues to be a problem among both adults and children.

Americans have changed their eating patterns, as they have reduced the consumption of calories intake. But the study has found that in 95% of the population, consumption of high-calorie or high-sugar foods is not linked to BMI.

As per the researchers, overall diet, exercise regime and portion size mattered more than targeting specific foods. Other factors that have a role are –

1. Exercise – In comparison to the past, now people have become more sedentary. Less than 50% of adults complied with the federal guidelines related to exercise in 2014.
2. Income - More number of Americans falling into lower-income group suffer from obesity because affording healthy and fresh foods is expensive than buying packaged food.
3. Stress- Now, time is such that longer work hours and stiff competition has added to stress, which further adds to weight gain.
4. Sleep deprivation- It is very important to have proper sleep as lack of it has been linked to weight gain.
5. Other health issues – Many times illnesses like depression increase appetite of person, leading to weight gain.