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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System

Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System

Published on: May 8, 2018

Malnutritive obesity ('malnubesity'): is it driven by human brain evolution?

Anne-Thea McGill¹

¹University of Auckland Human Nutrition Unit, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. at.mcgill@auckland.ac.nz

Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders

|December 11, 2008

Summary

Rising obesity rates may stem from "malnutritive obesity," a condition linked to refined diets lacking essential micronutrients. Addressing this requires understanding food addictions and prioritizing nutrient-dense whole foods.

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Area of Science:

Human physiology and nutrition
Metabolic health and disease
Obesity research

Background:

Current weight loss advice is ineffective, contributing to rising obesity rates.
Humans possess appetite pathways that favor energy-dense foods.
Human metabolism is uniquely adapted to require ingested co-factors and vitamins.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the concept of "malnutritive obesity" (malnubesity) as a consequence of modern diets.
To explore the link between diet, nutrient deficiencies, and obesity-related health issues.
To propose a framework for treating malnubesity.

Main Methods:

Review of accumulating evidence on human appetite pathways and nutrient requirements.
Analysis of the metabolic and physiological consequences of refined, energy-dense diets.
Synthesis of factors contributing to malnubesity and its associated health problems.

Main Results:

A Western diet, high in energy density and low in micronutrients, leads to malnutritive obesity.
Micronutrient deficiencies contribute to inefficient energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and central fat deposition.
Malnubesity is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, immune system impairment, and increased risk for metabolic syndrome and cancer.

Conclusions:

Malnubesity is a significant health issue driven by dietary patterns and unique human metabolic needs.
Effective treatment requires addressing food addiction mechanisms, prioritizing whole foods, and providing comprehensive support.
Policy changes incentivizing healthy food production and distribution are crucial for public health.