What is the primary cause of being overweight, according to the provided content?

The primary cause of being overweight is eating more calories than are burned. This concept is rooted in the principle of energy balance, which states that when caloric intake exceeds caloric expenditure, the body stores the excess energy as fat, leading to weight gain. This imbalance can occur due to various factors, including lifestyle choices and dietary habits.

While metabolism, genetic predisposition, and inactivity can influence an individual's propensity to gain weight, they are often secondary to the basic equation of calories consumed versus calories burned. A slow metabolism can contribute to weight gain by influencing how efficiently the body utilizes energy, but even a sluggish metabolism cannot negate the fundamental reality that consuming more calories than one uses will result in weight gain. Similarly, genetic factors may predispose someone to gain weight more easily, but without a caloric surplus, those predispositions may not necessarily lead to being overweight.

Inactivity is also an influential factor on weight management; a sedentary lifestyle can decrease caloric expenditure. However, the core determinant of weight gain remains the caloric surplus. Thus, understanding the importance of maintaining a balance between caloric intake and expenditure is essential for effective weight management.