What is the most common cause of obesity in pets?

The most common cause of obesity in pets is primarily linked to overfeeding and lack of exercise. Pets, much like humans, require a balanced diet and regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight. When pets are fed more calories than they expend through their daily activities, the excess energy is stored as fat, leading to obesity. This situation is often exacerbated in pets that live a sedentary lifestyle, where limited physical exercise compounds the effects of overconsumption.

While genetic predisposition, medical conditions, and age-related changes can certainly play a role in an individual pet's weight, they are less prevalent factors when considering the population as a whole. Overfeeding is a widespread issue due to various factors, including the availability of calorie-dense commercial pet foods, owner habits, and sometimes a lack of understanding about proper portion sizes. By focusing on maintaining a balanced diet and incorporating regular exercise, pet owners can significantly reduce the risk of obesity in their pets.