Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Inadequate sleep significantly contributes to obesity due to its powerful effects on metabolism, hunger hormones, and overall energy balance. When a person does not get enough sleep, it can lead to hormonal imbalances, specifically involving ghrelin and leptin. Ghrelin, which stimulates appetite, tends to increase, while leptin, which signals satiety, decreases. This imbalance can result in increased hunger and cravings for high-calorie foods, making it more challenging to maintain a healthy weight.

Moreover, insufficient sleep can lead to increased fatigue and a general lack of motivation for physical activity, creating a cycle where poor sleep habits may lead to weight gain, which in turn can further hinder sleep quality. Therefore, the direct correlation between inadequate sleep and an increase in obesity risk makes this lifestyle factor particularly significant.

In contrast, regular physical activity, eating whole foods, and consuming healthy fats are generally associated with maintaining a healthy weight and improving overall health. Regular exercise increases energy expenditure, while whole foods and healthy fats provide essential nutrients and promote feelings of fullness, helping to manage weight effectively.