You might look into mirror and wonder why you are overweight when others of your age are still fit and lean. While you ask this question 'Why am I overweight?' try to peep into your daily routine of lifestyle and see what you gulp down the food pipe, how you live throughout the day and what are your activities? Let me tell you a truth that you are not alone who is overweight. According to a recent survey nearly 97 million of Americans adults and teenagers are overweight. They weigh more than their body proportions.

The mouth has always been blamed for weight! But is your food habit only responsible for being overweight? This is natural to think that if you eat too much you weight too much as well. But besides eating there are some other factors too which is the answer to your query, 'Why am I overweight?' Here are few causes of obesity or overweight.

1. Overeating. This is indeed the prime cause of overweight. You may assert that you take small servings and don't eat too much. Well that can be true but what is your frequency of taking the servings. You may be eating in small amounts but more than the body requires. Eating too much of junk food is also responsible for weight gain. The trans-fat which is present in such food accumulate inside the body and don't get metabolized so easily.

2. Medications and anti depressants. If you are taking prescription medications like anti-depressants or others it is possible that you may become overweight due to side effect of the medicines. Some anti-depressants like Paxil or Zoloft has been found to cause some amount of weight gain. Other medications like corticosteroids, beta blockers, birth control pills and other medicines too can affect your weight.

3. Sleep deprivations. Though many people find it difficult to believe but, the International Journal of Obesity states that an average American gets only 7 hours of sleep or less. According to studies persons who sleep less than 8 hours a day may gain more fat in their bodies. Sleep deprivation alters the body rhythm. You may feel tired and go on sipping cup after cup coffee or tea.

4. Lack of Exercise. Even if you take balanced diet or limited food, you body has always enough of calories. If you don't burn them with some physical work you are bound to get overweight. Now you got the answer 'Why am I overweight, when my friend eats more than me, but he is fit and sturdy?' That's because your friend engages in hard work or exercises.