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Is obesity an advantageous adaptation?

International Journal of Obesity

|January 1, 1982

Summary

Modern populations are experiencing increased obesity, a trend potentially linked to evolutionary adaptation to refined carbohydrates in Western diets, rather than solely metabolic or behavioral issues.

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Area of Science:

Human evolution
Nutritional science
Public health

Background:

Global obesity rates are rising, with significant increases in adiposity observed in populations worldwide.
The causes of this widespread increase in obesity are debated, with common assumptions focusing on metabolic or behavioral disorders.
Historical data, such as increased skinfold thickness in British children over 25 years, indicate a significant trend in adiposity.

Purpose of the Study:

To examine the hypothesis that increased human adiposity is an evolutionary adaptation to modern diets.
To challenge the prevailing view of obesity as solely a metabolic or behavioral disorder.
To explore the role of refined carbohydrates in Western diets as a driver of increased adiposity.

Main Methods:

Review of existing evidence on human adiposity trends.
Analysis of the association between 'Westernisation' and dietary patterns, particularly refined carbohydrates.
Critique of current assumptions and treatments for obesity.

Main Results:

Evidence suggests that increased adiposity may be an adaptive response to modern food environments.
Refined carbohydrates in Western diets are implicated as a key factor in this adaptation.
Current treatments based on behavioral assumptions may be ineffective.

Conclusions:

The rise in human adiposity, or obesity, may represent an evolutionary adaptation to refined carbohydrate-rich Western diets.
Viewing obesity solely as a disorder may overlook crucial evolutionary and environmental factors.
Further research is needed to understand the long-term implications of this adaptive response.

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