AETIOLOGY OF OBESITY

The Role of Diet in the Aetiology of Obesity



Abstract

In this study, we try to explore the concept of “Aetiology of Obesity” in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on role of diet, and its relation with aetiology of obesity. The research also analyzes many aspects of role of diet and tries to gauge its effect on “Aetiology of Obesity”. Finally, the research describes various factors which are responsible for “Obesity” and tries to describe the overall role of diet in the aetiology of obesity.

Table of Contents

Abstract2

Introduction4

Obesity in United Kingdom6

Discussion7

Examining Obesity7

Learnings from Twin Studies8

The Classical Twin Design8

Maximising the Utility of Twin Studies10

Factors in Childhood Obesity10

Significance of Obesity11

Effect on Society13

Psychological and Social Risk13

Risk Psychological14

Social Risk14

Parameters of Healthy Weight, Overweight, and Obesity15

Criticisms of Obesity Research22

Conclusion23

The Role of Diet in the Aetiology of Obesity

Introduction

Obesity is a chronic disease of multifactorial origin that is characterised by excessive accumulation of fat or hypertrophy, overall adipose tissue in the body. This means that when the natural energy reserve of humans and other mammals, stored as body fat increases to a point where it is associated with numerous complications such as certain health conditions, or diseases and increased mortality.

Obesity and overweight are two of the foremost conditions currently affecting morbidity and mortality in families in the United Kingdom and abroad. Rates of overweight and obesity, and associated comorbidities, continue to rise in all ethnic and racial groups, with minority groups most notably impacted (Langenberg, 2003, 816-822). Comorbidities associated with obesity and overweight include insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, elevated lipids, cardiovascular disease, and depression. The cause of overweight and obesity is believed to be complex and multifaceted and has linked to genetics, eating and feeding behaviours, lifestyle practices, and the food environment. After identifying the focus of care and healthy weight parameters, this entry focuses on interventions and health of families.

Obesity is becoming an increasing health concern worldwide and in developing as well as industrialized nations. Obesity is associated with increased risk for many serious health conditions as well as reduced quality of life, discrimination, and social stigma, resulting not only in shorter life span, fewer years of healthy life, and lower quality of life for the obese individual but also increased burden on the healthcare system. For instance, in the United Kingdom in 2006, it was estimated that medical costs for obese individuals were £1,429 higher (per person) than for normal-weight individuals and that overall medical costs associated with obesity were £147 billion. For the years 1987-2001, one study found that more than a quarter (27 percent) of increases in medical costs associated with diseases related to obesity (Curtin, 2010, 235-241).

Obesity is defined as increased body weight caused by excess accumulation of body fat (adiposity), but because direct measures of the percent of body fat are cumbersome, for broad-based studies such as population surveys, obesity for adults is defined using the Body Mass Index (BMI; also known as the Quetelet Index). The BMI is calculated by dividing body weight ...