Simple carbs/sugar + overly processed foods primary cause of obesity
Regarding hormones - yes, hormones like estrogen tend to increase your weight when they are out of balance - and in both males and females. Fat men look feminine for a reason. Besides being more rounded with higher body fat typical of women - obese men have significantly higher estrogen levels - promoting even easier weight gain. Unfortunately, fatty tissues produce estrogen and once you become over weight you are supplying your own weight gaining hormones. The initial unhealthy weight gain comes from a diet too high in simple carbohydrates - not hormones.
Simple carbohydrates have a proven roll in both obesity and diabetes. While I'm not a fan of dieting in general - The South Beach Diet written by a (cardiologist) which focuses on the replacement of simple carbohydrates (sugars, potatoes, white bread, polished rice - processed grains) with complex carbs (vegetables and complex starches - leafy greens, beans, natural fruits, nuts, etc. - works wonders for weight loss and to fight diabetes. It isn't perfect, but it's the best I have seen considering both health and performance regarding weight loss. Compared to most diets, it's more nutritionally balanced and allows you a broader range and quantities of healthier foods. You can get the SB Diet Books from your local library and follow their program and recipes and if you follow the basic program - you will lose weight in healthy way. You will also improve the health of your cardiovascular system, pancreas, reproductive system - prostate by generally reducing inflammation.
