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Related Experiment Videos

Obesity: responding to the global epidemic.

Thomas A Wadden1, Kelly D Brownell, Gary D Foster

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia 19104, USA. wadden@mail.med.upenn.edu

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|July 2, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Obesity is a major health crisis driven by genetics and a toxic environment promoting unhealthy eating and inactivity. Tackling the obesity epidemic requires both individual treatments and public policy to create healthier environments.

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Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Obesity affects 27% of US adults, with 34% overweight, reaching epidemic proportions globally.
  • While genetics play a role, a toxic environment promoting high-fat/sugar diets and discouraging physical activity drives the obesity epidemic.
  • Current management strategies include behavioral, pharmacologic, and surgical interventions for existing obesity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To address the growing obesity epidemic.
  • To highlight the need for a dual approach: treating existing obesity and preventing new cases.
  • To advocate for policy research focused on environmental factors contributing to obesity.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current research on obesity prevalence and contributing factors.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Analysis of the interplay between genetics and environmental influences on obesity.
  • Proposal for a public health approach to obesity management.

    • Main Results:

    • The marked increase in obesity prevalence is attributed to environmental factors, not solely genetics.
    • A toxic food environment encourages overconsumption of unhealthy foods and sedentary behavior.
    • Effective obesity management requires addressing both individual cases and the broader societal environment.

    Conclusions:

    • A two-pronged approach is necessary for managing the obesity epidemic.
    • Preventing obesity through environmental and policy changes is a promising strategy.
    • Policy research viewing obesity as a public health problem should be a research focus.