Which of the following is a common factor contributing to obesity?

The selection of social and economic factors as a common contributor to obesity is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of how various influences affect weight management. Social and economic factors encompass a wide array of influences, including access to healthy food options, socioeconomic status, education level, cultural norms related to diet and physical activity, and neighborhood characteristics, such as the availability of parks or safe places for exercise.

Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may have limited access to affordable healthy foods, leading to a reliance on calorie-dense, nutrient-poor options. Furthermore, cultural and social practices can shape eating behaviors and attitudes towards physical activity, which can further influence obesity rates in different populations.

While genetic predisposition, age, and food intake are certainly relevant to understanding obesity, they do not operate in isolation. Genetic factors may play a role in an individual's susceptibility to weight gain, aging can influence metabolic processes, and food intake is undeniably a key component of energy balance. However, these factors are often influenced by the broader social and economic environment, making social and economic factors a critical and common contributor to the obesity epidemic.