With obesity a rampant problem in this country, it's interesting to consider the reasons behind the explosion. In addition to the obvious explanations of less time for meal preparation, more food choices, greater food availability and less day-to-day exercise, we are finding that there may be other reasons as well.

Being overweight, in some cases, may come from more than just a large meal in one sitting. You've heard the defense, "I'm big-boned," and there is definite truth to that. Genetics does play a role in some people's battles with obesity. So the size of your jeans may be partly determined by your genes (no pun intended). However, there may be other roles for genetics in the struggle with obesity -- beyond simply having a larger frame.

Researchers have found a protein called leptin that appears to be correlated to the amount of fat an individual has. Leptin is important because it is thought to curb the appetite by signaling to the brain when the body has eaten enough. This, in theory, would lead to long-term weight regulation if everything in the body proceeded as planned.

It has been found, however, that some obese individuals may be insensitive to leptin. It is also possible that the leptin receptors in the body may be faulty. This is a concern because leptin is involved with the regulation of almost all the chemical signals associated with food intake. Because of this, the body could have a hard time figuring out the amount of food it should be eating.

It is important to realize that, if you have struggled with weight problems, this is not a "get of out jail free card" to eat whatever you want because your weight is "out of your control." I'm sure that sounds like a tempting resolution. But by the same token, having an average weight doesn't mean you can eat too much just because your body may be better able to process it.

I stress that leptin malfunction is only one factor in the battle of controlling your affinity for corndogs. In fact, it is in times like these when eating healthy is more crucial than ever, since it may be harder to realize when to stop eating. By limiting the amount of junk food you eat, you will be at a lower risk for eating too much. After all, it should come as no surprise that you are less likely to eat five apples in one sitting than five cupcakes. That's not to say that an occasional cupcake is going to kill you, but leptin may be a reason to try and limit your consumption.

Try to make an effort to eat healthy foods by consuming a balanced diet. Your body will get all the nutrients it needs without the excess calories it doesn't.