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05:10
Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
Unconventional wisdom about the obesity epidemic
1McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development and Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA. andrew.zinn@utsouthwestern.edu
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|December 2, 2010
Summary
Exploring unconventional causes of the obesity epidemic beyond diet and "thrifty" genes. This review examines evidence for "drifty" genes, viruses, toxins, and other factors contributing to rising obesity rates globally.
Area of Science:
- Obesity research
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- The prevailing view attributes the obesity epidemic to "thrifty" genes interacting with diet and sedentary lifestyles.
- Alternative hypotheses suggest other factors may contribute to obesity.
- These include "drifty" genes, viral infections, gut microbiome alterations, environmental toxins, social influences, and sleep patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the background and evidence for unconventional etiologies of obesity.
- To critically assess proposed alternative causes of the global obesity epidemic.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of proposed unconventional obesity causes.
- Analysis of scientific evidence supporting or refuting these alternative theories.
Main Results:
- The review synthesizes information on various non-traditional obesity factors.
- Evidence for the role of "drifty" genes, viruses, bacteria, toxins, social effects, maternal imprinting, and sleep deprivation is discussed.
Conclusions:
- While "thrifty" genes and lifestyle are primary drivers, alternative factors warrant further investigation.
- Understanding these diverse influences is crucial for a comprehensive approach to combating the obesity epidemic.
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