Which factor is a primary contributor to obesity?

Increased calorie intake is a primary contributor to obesity because it directly affects the body’s energy balance. When individuals consume more calories than they expend through daily activities and metabolism, the excess calories are stored as fat, leading to weight gain over time.

Eating a diet high in calories, particularly from processed foods that are rich in sugars and fats, can quickly lead to an energy surplus. This imbalance between energy intake and expenditure is fundamental in understanding how obesity develops.

In contrast, factors like increased physical activity and metabolism typically promote weight loss or weight maintenance since they help burn calories. Dehydration can influence appetite and metabolic processes, but it is not a primary factor in obesity compared to the direct impact of calorie intake. Therefore, understanding the role of calorie consumption is crucial for addressing obesity and developing effective weight management strategies.