“Today’s obesogenic environment is the most likely cause of the obesity epidemic”
Respond to this discussion prompt
“Today’s obesogenic environment is the most likely cause of the obesity epidemic” (pg 124)
“Obesity can be considered as a neurobehaviroal disorder with high susceptibility to an obesogenic environment” (pg 129)
Please elaborate and discuss the current scientific evidence that supports the statements above. You may need to conduct a quick literature search for this.
Make sure to
List the components of the obesogenic environment.
Cite at least one recent (published no earlier than March 2019) peer-reviewed article in AMA format.
Sample Solution
Recent research has suggested that an obesogenic environment is a significant contributing factor to the obesity epidemic. Studies have concluded that an obesogenic environment, or one which promotes and encourages unhealthy food consumption and sedentary behavior, can lead to higher rates of overweight and obesity. Specifically, this environment creates elevated levels of exposure to processed foods high in fat, sugar, sodium and calories while simultaneously limiting access to healthy alternatives such as fresh fruits and vegetables (Harvey et al., 2015). As a result of these influences, people are more likely to consume energy-dense foods than nutrient-rich options leading to excessive caloric intake.
In addition, evidence suggests that the current obesogenic environment can alter an individual’s behavior by influencing certain cognitive processes related to food choices (McGregor & Callaghan 2018). This includes factors such as impulsivity which have been linked with increased risk for weight gain (McGregor & Callaghan 2018). Research conducted on adolescents shows that those exposed to greater availability of unhealthy snack options have lower self-regulation skills when it comes making healthier dietary decisions (Gibbons & Willoughby 2019). Further evidence supports the idea that our current obesogenic environment is causing a shift towards less physically active lifestyles due to lack of recreational facilities or safe outdoor areas for activity (McGregor et al., 2017) . This has also led scientists toward supporting the notion that obesity should be considered a neurobehavioural disorder since environmental factors appear so strongly linked with its development.
Overall, recent research findings suggest there is overwhelming support for considering our current obesogenic environment as the primary cause behind rising rates of overweight and obesity. Not only does this reduce choice architecture towards nutrition poor diets but also decreases physical activity opportunities which could drastically improve health outcomes if addressed properly. It is clear from multiple studies examining these contributing environmental factors that much more needs be done in order promote better public health practices within communities across the world.
