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Essay on Obesity

List of essays on obesity, essay on obesity – short essay (essay 1 – 150 words), essay on obesity (essay 2 – 250 words), essay on obesity – written in english (essay 3 – 300 words), essay on obesity – for school students (class 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 standard) (essay 4 – 400 words), essay on obesity – for college students (essay 5 – 500 words), essay on obesity – with causes and treatment (essay 6 – 600 words), essay on obesity – for science students (essay 7 – 750 words), essay on obesity – long essay for medical students (essay 8 – 1000 words).

Obesity is a chronic health condition in which the body fat reaches abnormal level. Obesity occurs when we consume much more amount of food than our body really needs on a daily basis. In other words, when the intake of calories is greater than the calories we burn out, it gives rise to obesity.

Audience: The below given essays are exclusively written for school students (Class 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 Standard), college, science and medical students.

Introduction:

Obesity means being excessively fat. A person would be said to be obese if his or her body mass index is beyond 30. Such a person has a body fat rate that is disproportionate to his body mass.

Obesity and the Body Mass Index:

The body mass index is calculated considering the weight and height of a person. Thus, it is a scientific way of determining the appropriate weight of any person. When the body mass index of a person indicates that he or she is obese, it exposes the person to make health risk.

Stopping Obesity:

There are two major ways to get the body mass index of a person to a moderate rate. The first is to maintain a strict diet. The second is to engage in regular physical exercise. These two approaches are aimed at reducing the amount of fat in the body.

Conclusion:

Obesity can lead to sudden death, heart attack, diabetes and may unwanted illnesses. Stop it by making healthy choices.

Obesity has become a big concern for the youth of today’s generation. Obesity is defined as a medical condition in which an individual gains excessive body fat. When the Body Mass Index (BMI) of a person is over 30, he/ she is termed as obese.

Obesity can be a genetic problem or a disorder that is caused due to unhealthy lifestyle habits of a person. Physical inactivity and the environment in which an individual lives, are also the factors that leads to obesity. It is also seen that when some individuals are in stress or depression, they start cultivating unhealthy eating habits which eventually leads to obesity. Medications like steroids is yet another reason for obesity.

Obesity has several serious health issues associated with it. Some of the impacts of obesity are diabetes, increase of cholesterol level, high blood pressure, etc. Social impacts of obesity includes loss of confidence in an individual, lowering of self-esteem, etc.

The risks of obesity needs to be prevented. This can be done by adopting healthy eating habits, doing some physical exercise regularly, avoiding stress, etc. Individuals should work on weight reduction in order to avoid obesity.

Obesity is indeed a health concern and needs to be prioritized. The management of obesity revolves around healthy eating habits and physical activity. Obesity, if not controlled in its initial stage can cause many severe health issues. So it is wiser to exercise daily and maintain a healthy lifestyle rather than being the victim of obesity.

Obesity can be defined as the clinical condition where accumulation of excessive fat takes place in the adipose tissue leading to worsening of health condition. Usually, the fat is deposited around the trunk and also the waist of the body or even around the periphery.

Obesity is actually a disease that has been spreading far and wide. It is preventable and certain measures are to be taken to curb it to a greater extend. Both in the developing and developed countries, obesity has been growing far and wide affecting the young and the old equally.

The alarming increase in obesity has resulted in stimulated death rate and health issues among the people. There are several methods adopted to lose weight and they include different diet types, physical activity and certain changes in the current lifestyle. Many of the companies are into minting money with the concept of inviting people to fight obesity.

In patients associated with increased risk factor related to obesity, there are certain drug therapies and other procedures adopted to lose weight. There are certain cost effective ways introduced by several companies to enable clinic-based weight loss programs.

Obesity can lead to premature death and even cause Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Cardiovascular diseases have also become the part and parcel of obese people. It includes stroke, hypertension, gall bladder disease, coronary heart disease and even cancers like breast cancer, prostate cancer, endometrial cancer and colon cancer. Other less severe arising due to obesity includes osteoarthritis, gastro-esophageal reflux disease and even infertility.

Hence, serious measures are to be taken to fight against this dreadful phenomenon that is spreading its wings far and wide. Giving proper education on benefits of staying fit and mindful eating is as important as curbing this issue. Utmost importance must be given to healthy eating habits right from the small age so that they follow the same until the end of their life.

Obesity is majorly a lifestyle disease attributed to the extra accumulation of fat in the body leading to negative health effects on a person. Ironically, although prevalent at a large scale in many countries, including India, it is one of the most neglect health problems. It is more often ignored even if told by the doctor that the person is obese. Only when people start acquiring other health issues such as heart disease, blood pressure or diabetes, they start taking the problem of obesity seriously.

Obesity Statistics in India:

As per a report, India happens to figure as the third country in the world with the most obese people. This should be a troubling fact for India. However, we are yet to see concrete measures being adopted by the people to remain fit.

Causes of Obesity:

Sedentary lifestyle, alcohol, junk food, medications and some diseases such as hypothyroidism are considered as the factors which lead to obesity. Even children seem to be glued to televisions, laptops and video games which have taken away the urge for physical activities from them. Adding to this, the consumption of junk food has further aggravated the growing problem of obesity in children.

In the case of adults, most of the professions of today make use of computers which again makes people sit for long hours in one place. Also, the hectic lifestyle of today makes it difficult for people to spare time for physical activities and people usually remain stressed most of the times. All this has contributed significantly to the rise of obesity in India.

Obesity and BMI:

Body Mass Index (BMI) is the measure which allows a person to calculate how to fit he or she is. In other words, the BMI tells you if you are obese or not. BMI is calculated by dividing the weight of a person in kg with the square of his / her height in metres. The number thus obtained is called the BMI. A BMI of less than 25 is considered optimal. However, if a person has a BMI over 30 he/she is termed as obese.

What is a matter of concern is that with growing urbanisation there has been a rapid increase of obese people in India? It is of utmost importance to consider this health issue a serious threat to the future of our country as a healthy body is important for a healthy soul. We should all be mindful of what we eat and what effect it has on our body. It is our utmost duty to educate not just ourselves but others as well about this serious health hazard.

Obesity can be defined as a condition (medical) that is the accumulation of body fat to an extent that the excess fat begins to have a lot of negative effects on the health of the individual. Obesity is determined by examining the body mass index (BMI) of the person. The BMI is gotten by dividing the weight of the person in kilogram by the height of the person squared.

When the BMI of a person is more than 30, the person is classified as being obese, when the BMI falls between 25 and 30, the person is said to be overweight. In a few countries in East Asia, lower values for the BMI are used. Obesity has been proven to influence the likelihood and risk of many conditions and disease, most especially diabetes of type 2, cardiovascular diseases, sleeplessness that is obstructive, depression, osteoarthritis and some cancer types.

In most cases, obesity is caused through a combination of genetic susceptibility, a lack of or inadequate physical activity, excessive intake of food. Some cases of obesity are primarily caused by mental disorder, medications, endocrine disorders or genes. There is no medical data to support the fact that people suffering from obesity eat very little but gain a lot of weight because of slower metabolism. It has been discovered that an obese person usually expends much more energy than other people as a result of the required energy that is needed to maintain a body mass that is increased.

It is very possible to prevent obesity with a combination of personal choices and social changes. The major treatments are exercising and a change in diet. We can improve the quality of our diet by reducing our consumption of foods that are energy-dense like those that are high in sugars or fat and by trying to increase our dietary fibre intake.

We can also accompany the appropriate diet with the use of medications to help in reducing appetite and decreasing the absorption of fat. If medication, exercise and diet are not yielding any positive results, surgery or gastric balloon can also be carried out to decrease the volume of the stomach and also reduce the intestines’ length which leads to the feel of the person get full early or a reduction in the ability to get and absorb different nutrients from a food.

Obesity is the leading cause of ill-health and death all over the world that is preventable. The rate of obesity in children and adults has drastically increased. In 2015, a whopping 12 percent of adults which is about 600 million and about 100 million children all around the world were found to be obese.

It has also been discovered that women are more obese than men. A lot of government and private institutions and bodies have stated that obesity is top of the list of the most difficult and serious problems of public health that we have in the world today. In the world we live today, there is a lot of stigmatisation of obese people.

We all know how troubling the problem of obesity truly is. It is mainly a form of a medical condition wherein the body tends to accumulate excessive fat which in turn has negative repercussions on the health of an individual.

Given the current lifestyle and dietary style, it has become more common than ever. More and more people are being diagnosed with obesity. Such is its prevalence that it has been termed as an epidemic in the USA. Those who suffer from obesity are at a much higher risk of diabetes, heart diseases and even cancer.

In order to gain a deeper understanding of obesity, it is important to learn what the key causes of obesity are. In a layman term, if your calorie consumption exceeds what you burn because of daily activities and exercises, it is likely to lead to obesity. It is caused over a prolonged period of time when your calorie intake keeps exceeding the calories burned.

Here are some of the key causes which are known to be the driving factors for obesity.

If your diet tends to be rich in fat and contains massive calorie intake, you are all set to suffer from obesity.

Sedentary Lifestyle:

With most people sticking to their desk jobs and living a sedentary lifestyle, the body tends to get obese easily.

Of course, the genetic framework has a lot to do with obesity. If your parents are obese, the chance of you being obese is quite high.

The weight which women gain during their pregnancy can be very hard to shed and this is often one of the top causes of obesity.

Sleep Cycle:

If you are not getting an adequate amount of sleep, it can have an impact on the hormones which might trigger hunger signals. Overall, these linked events tend to make you obese.

Hormonal Disorder:

There are several hormonal changes which are known to be direct causes of obesity. The imbalance of the thyroid stimulating hormone, for instance, is one of the key factors when it comes to obesity.

Now that we know the key causes, let us look at the possible ways by which you can handle it.

Treatment for Obesity:

As strange as it may sound, the treatment for obesity is really simple. All you need to do is follow the right diet and back it with an adequate amount of exercise. If you can succeed in doing so, it will give you the perfect head-start into your journey of getting in shape and bidding goodbye to obesity.

There are a lot of different kinds and styles of diet plans for obesity which are available. You can choose the one which you deem fit. We recommend not opting for crash dieting as it is known to have several repercussions and can make your body terribly weak.

The key here is to stick to a balanced diet which can help you retain the essential nutrients, minerals, and, vitamins and shed the unwanted fat and carbs.

Just like the diet, there are several workout plans for obesity which are available. It is upon you to find out which of the workout plan seems to be apt for you. Choose cardio exercises and dance routines like Zumba to shed the unwanted body weight. Yoga is yet another method to get rid of obesity.

So, follow a blend of these and you will be able to deal with the trouble of obesity in no time. We believe that following these tips will help you get rid of obesity and stay in shape.

Obesity and overweight is a top health concern in the world due to the impact it has on the lives of individuals. Obesity is defined as a condition in which an individual has excessive body fat and is measured using the body mass index (BMI) such that, when an individual’s BMI is above 30, he or she is termed obese. The BMI is calculated using body weight and height and it is different for all individuals.

Obesity has been determined as a risk factor for many diseases. It results from dietary habits, genetics, and lifestyle habits including physical inactivity. Obesity can be prevented so that individuals do not end up having serious complications and health problems. Chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart diseases and relate to obesity in terms of causes and complications.

Factors Influencing Obesity:

Obesity is not only as a result of lifestyle habits as most people put it. There are other important factors that influence obesity. Genetics is one of those factors. A person could be born with genes that predispose them to obesity and they will also have difficulty in losing weight because it is an inborn factor.

The environment also influences obesity because the diet is similar in certain environs. In certain environments, like school, the food available is fast foods and the chances of getting healthy foods is very low, leading to obesity. Also, physical inactivity is an environmental factor for obesity because some places have no fields or tracks where people can jog or maybe the place is very unsafe and people rarely go out to exercise.

Mental health affects the eating habits of individuals. There is a habit of stress eating when a person is depressed and it could result in overweight or obesity if the person remains unhealthy for long period of time.

The overall health of individuals also matter. If a person is unwell and is prescribed with steroids, they may end up being obese. Steroidal medications enable weight gain as a side effect.

Complications of Obesity:

Obesity is a health concern because its complications are severe. Significant social and health problems are experienced by obese people. Socially, they will be bullied and their self-esteem will be low as they will perceive themselves as unworthy.

Chronic illnesses like diabetes results from obesity. Diabetes type 2 has been directly linked to obesity. This condition involves the increased blood sugars in the body and body cells are not responding to insulin as they should. The insulin in the body could also be inadequate due to decreased production. High blood sugar concentrations result in symptoms like frequent hunger, thirst and urination. The symptoms of complicated stages of diabetes type 2 include loss of vision, renal failure and heart failure and eventually death. The importance of having a normal BMI is the ability of the body to control blood sugars.

Another complication is the heightened blood pressures. Obesity has been defined as excessive body fat. The body fat accumulates in blood vessels making them narrow. Narrow blood vessels cause the blood pressures to rise. Increased blood pressure causes the heart to start failing in its physiological functions. Heart failure is the end result in this condition of increased blood pressures.

There is a significant increase in cholesterol in blood of people who are obese. High blood cholesterol levels causes the deposition of fats in various parts of the body and organs. Deposition of fats in the heart and blood vessels result in heart diseases. There are other conditions that result from hypercholesterolemia.

Other chronic illnesses like cancer can also arise from obesity because inflammation of body cells and tissues occurs in order to store fats in obese people. This could result in abnormal growths and alteration of cell morphology. The abnormal growths could be cancerous.

Management of Obesity:

For the people at risk of developing obesity, prevention methods can be implemented. Prevention included a healthy diet and physical activity. The diet and physical activity patterns should be regular and realizable to avoid strains that could result in complications.

Some risk factors for obesity are non-modifiable for example genetics. When a person in genetically predisposed, the lifestyle modifications may be have help.

For the individuals who are already obese, they can work on weight reduction through healthy diets and physical exercises.

In conclusion, obesity is indeed a major health concern because the health complications are very serious. Factors influencing obesity are both modifiable and non-modifiable. The management of obesity revolves around diet and physical activity and so it is important to remain fit.

In olden days, obesity used to affect only adults. However, in the present time, obesity has become a worldwide problem that hits the kids as well. Let’s find out the most prevalent causes of obesity.

Factors Causing Obesity:

Obesity can be due to genetic factors. If a person’s family has a history of obesity, chances are high that he/ she would also be affected by obesity, sooner or later in life.

The second reason is having a poor lifestyle. Now, there are a variety of factors that fall under the category of poor lifestyle. An excessive diet, i.e., eating more than you need is a definite way to attain the stage of obesity. Needless to say, the extra calories are changed into fat and cause obesity.

Junk foods, fried foods, refined foods with high fats and sugar are also responsible for causing obesity in both adults and kids. Lack of physical activity prevents the burning of extra calories, again, leading us all to the path of obesity.

But sometimes, there may also be some indirect causes of obesity. The secondary reasons could be related to our mental and psychological health. Depression, anxiety, stress, and emotional troubles are well-known factors of obesity.

Physical ailments such as hypothyroidism, ovarian cysts, and diabetes often complicate the physical condition and play a massive role in abnormal weight gain.

Moreover, certain medications, such as steroids, antidepressants, and contraceptive pills, have been seen interfering with the metabolic activities of the body. As a result, the long-term use of such drugs can cause obesity. Adding to that, regular consumption of alcohol and smoking are also connected to the condition of obesity.

Harmful Effects of Obesity:

On the surface, obesity may look like a single problem. But, in reality, it is the mother of several major health issues. Obesity simply means excessive fat depositing into our body including the arteries. The drastic consequence of such high cholesterol levels shows up in the form of heart attacks and other life-threatening cardiac troubles.

The fat deposition also hampers the elasticity of the arteries. That means obesity can cause havoc in our body by altering the blood pressure to an abnormal range. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Obesity is known to create an endless list of problems.

In extreme cases, this disorder gives birth to acute diseases like diabetes and cancer. The weight gain due to obesity puts a lot of pressure on the bones of the body, especially of the legs. This, in turn, makes our bones weak and disturbs their smooth movement. A person suffering from obesity also has higher chances of developing infertility issues and sleep troubles.

Many obese people are seen to be struggling with breathing problems too. In the chronic form, the condition can grow into asthma. The psychological effects of obesity are another serious topic. You can say that obesity and depression form a loop. The more a person is obese, the worse is his/ her depression stage.

How to Control and Treat Obesity:

The simplest and most effective way, to begin with, is changing our diet. There are two factors to consider in the diet plan. First is what and what not to eat. Second is how much to eat.

If you really want to get rid of obesity, include more and more green vegetables in your diet. Spinach, beans, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, etc., have enough vitamins and minerals and quite low calories. Other healthier options are mushrooms, pumpkin, beetroots, and sweet potatoes, etc.

Opt for fresh fruits, especially citrus fruits, and berries. Oranges, grapes, pomegranate, pineapple, cherries, strawberries, lime, and cranberries are good for the body. They have low sugar content and are also helpful in strengthening our immune system. Eating the whole fruits is a more preferable way in comparison to gulping the fruit juices. Fruits, when eaten whole, have more fibers and less sugar.

Consuming a big bowl of salad is also great for dealing with the obesity problem. A salad that includes fibrous foods such as carrots, radish, lettuce, tomatoes, works better at satiating the hunger pangs without the risk of weight gain.

A high protein diet of eggs, fish, lean meats, etc., is an excellent choice to get rid of obesity. Take enough of omega fatty acids. Remember to drink plenty of water. Keeping yourself hydrated is a smart way to avoid overeating. Water also helps in removing the toxins and excess fat from the body.

As much as possible, avoid fats, sugars, refined flours, and oily foods to keep the weight in control. Control your portion size. Replace the three heavy meals with small and frequent meals during the day. Snacking on sugarless smoothies, dry fruits, etc., is much recommended.

Regular exercise plays an indispensable role in tackling the obesity problem. Whenever possible, walk to the market, take stairs instead of a lift. Physical activity can be in any other form. It could be a favorite hobby like swimming, cycling, lawn tennis, or light jogging.

Meditation and yoga are quite powerful practices to drive away the stress, depression and thus, obesity. But in more serious cases, meeting a physician is the most appropriate strategy. Sometimes, the right medicines and surgical procedures are necessary to control the health condition.

Obesity is spreading like an epidemic, haunting both the adults and the kids. Although genetic factors and other physical ailments play a role, the problem is mostly caused by a reckless lifestyle.

By changing our way of living, we can surely take control of our health. In other words, it would be possible to eliminate the condition of obesity from our lives completely by leading a healthy lifestyle.

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Essays About Obesity: Top 5 Examples and 7 Writing Prompts

Obesity is a pressing health issue many people must deal with in their lives. If you are writing essays about obesity, check out our guide for helpful examples and writing prompts. 

In the world we live in today, certain diseases such as obesity are becoming more significant problems. People suffering from obesity have excess fat, which threatens their health significantly. This can lead to strokes, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and even death. It also dramatically alters one’s physical appearance.

However, we must not be so quick to judge and criticize obese people for their weight and supposed “lifestyle choices.” Not every obese person makes “bad choices” and is automatically “lazy,” as various contributing causes exist. Therefore, we must balance concern for obese people’s health and outright shaming them. 

To write insightful essays about obesity, you can start by reading essay examples. 

5 Best Essay examples

1. obesity as a social issue by earnest washington, 2. is there such a thing as ‘healthy obesity’ by gillian mohney, 3. problems of child obesity by peggy maldonado, 4.  what is fat shaming are you a shamer by jamie long.

• 5. ​​The Dangerous Link Between Coronavirus and Obesity by Rami Bailony

Writing Prompts for Essays About Obesity

1. what causes obesity, 2. what are the effects of obesity, 3. how can you prevent obesity, 4. what is “fat shaming”, 5. why is obesity rate so higher, 6. obesity in the united states, 7. your experience with obesity.

“Weight must be considered as a genuine risk in today’s world. Other than social issues like body shaming, obesity has significantly more to it and is a risk to human life. It must be dealt with and taken care of simply like some other interminable illness and we as people must recollect that machines and innovation has progressed to help us not however not make us unenergetic.”

Washington writes about the dangers of obesity, saying that it can significantly damage your digestive and cardiovascular systems and even cause cancer. In addition, humans’ “expanded reliance on machines” has led us to become less active and more sedentary; as a result, we keep getting fatter. While he acknowledges that shaming obese people does no good, Washington stresses the dangers of being too heavy and encourages people to get fit. 

“‘I think we need to move away from using BMI as categorizing one as obese/overweight or unhealthy,” Zarabi told Healthline. “The real debate here is how do we define health? Is the vegetarian who has a BMI of 30, avoiding all saturated fats from meats and consuming a diet heavy in simple carbohydrates [and thus] reducing his risk of cardiac disease but increasing likelihood of elevated triglycerides and insulin, considered healthy?

Mohney, writing for Healthline, explains how “healthy obesity” is nuanced and should perhaps be retired. Some people may be metabolically healthy and obese simultaneously; however, they are still at risk of diseases associated with obesity. Others believe that health should be determined by more factors than BMI, as some people eat healthily and exercise but remain heavy. People have conflicting opinions on this term, and Mohney describes suggestions to instead focus on getting treatment for “healthy obese” people

“The absence of physical movement is turning into an increasingly normal factor as youngsters are investing more energy inside, and less time outside. Since technology is turning into an immense piece of present-day youngsters’ lives, exercises, for example, watching TV, gaming, messaging and playing on the PC, all of which require next to no vitality and replaces the physical exercises.”

In her essay, Maldonado discusses the causes and effects of childhood obesity. For example, hereditary factors and lack of physical activity make more children overweight; also, high-calorie food and the pressure on kids to “finish their food” make them consume more. 

Obesity leads to high blood pressure and cholesterol, heart disease, and cancer; children should not suffer as they are still so young. 

“Regardless of the catalyst at the root of fat shaming, it persists quite simply because we as a society aren’t doing enough to call it out and stand in solidarity against it. Our culture has largely bought into the farce that thinness equals health and success. Instead, the emphasis needs to shift from the obsession of appearance to promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors for all, regardless of body size. A lean body shouldn’t be a requisite to be treated with dignity and respect. Fat shaming is nonsensical and is the manifestation of ignorance and possibly, hate.”

Long warns readers of the dangers of fat shaming, declaring that it is reprehensible and should not be done. People may have “good intentions” when criticizing overweight or obese people, but it does not, in fact, help with making them healthier. Long believes that society should highlight a healthy lifestyle rather than a “healthy” body, as everyone’s bodies are different and should not be the sole indicator of health. 

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Essay on Obesity

Introduction

Obesity is a health condition that frequently develops when an individual’s weight is out of proportion to their height and age. It is critical to help obese individuals with their lifestyle choices, as they are frequently abused and ignored emotionally and physically by family members and friends. Additionally, obesity rates are increasing, and obesity can frequently obstruct individuals’ growth and even result in significant psychological issues resulting from continual criticism and rejection (Psalios, 2020). Obesity has long been a source of contention among psychologists, sociologists, and dietitians worldwide. Numerous factors have been and continue to be studied from a practical and theoretical standpoint, including race, heredity, behavior, environment, gender, and other socioeconomic circumstances. Nevertheless, obesity remains a hot subject nowadays, and in some situations, the causes and consequences of obesity are complex and difficult to decipher.

Risk of health problems related to obesity

People have not been sufficiently informed about the high addictiveness of food and associated health risks. Individuals increasingly lack knowledge about their condition, critical lifestyle changes, and critical self-management skills. In any event, it should be noted that obesity is a significant issue, which impacts the individual and the community, and society as a whole. However, when individuals are obese, they might jeopardize the future of every person involved.

Obesity is a result of an individual’s genetics, upbringing, and socioeconomic situation and may dramatically influence individuals’ general health and wellness. It is commonly defined by a 30percent excess of body fat over an individual’s optimum age and height. However, there are numerous factors, which contribute to an individual being overweight. One of the primary reasons an individual may struggle with their weight is that they are genetically prone and at a higher risk of being overweight or having other severe illnesses and diseases due to a biological family member carrying the gene. Genetic factors and human hormones contribute significantly to the genesis of obesity (Qasim et al., 2018).

Individuals assume they can prevent or reverse obesity before it causes health concerns. The fact is that most individuals would be unable to overcome obesity, and nearly half may die as a result of obesity-related diseases. Most obese individuals are unaware that obesity also causes difficulty in breathing, early symptoms of cardiac disease, disturbed sleep patterns, surgical complications, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and type II diabetes. Obesity may also cause high blood pressure. Individuals who are overweight are more likely to get high blood pressure. The cause is high blood fat content (triglycerides) and low HDL good cholesterol in the blood of obese persons. Triglycerides can cause blood vessels to clog quickly. When the space of the blood vessels has narrowed, then the pressure in them will increase.

Obese people have a higher risk of various types of cancer, such as endometrial cancer, namely cancer of the lining of the colon, uterus, kidney, prostate, gall bladder, and post-menopausal and breast cancer. In addition, for every 2-pound increase in weight, the risk of developing arthritis is increased by 9 to 13%. Knowing that arthritis can be increased with weight loss is prevalent for the betterment of the individual.

Obesity can harm the knees and hips because the extra weight puts strain on the joints. While joint replacement surgery is commonly performed on injured joints, the artificial joint has a higher risk of slackening and causing more damage. The effects of Obesity could also raise the risk of vitamin deficiencies (vitamin B12) that can lead to bone and joint issues (like sliding bow legs and femoral epiphysis) and other mental illnesses like low self-esteem and depression (Thomas-Valdés et al., 2017).

Obesity can also contribute to poor mental well-being, social discrimination, unfavorable peer/adult relationships, high-risk behavior (use of alcohol/drug), decreased hopes for a promising future, and being misinterpreted by relatives. A person who is obese also impacts unstable emotions and often considers himself unattractive, lacks self-confidence, and suffers from depression or stress due to not being able to face a normal and active life like other individuals. Most obese people generally lack self-confidence due to their physical appearance. They continuously compare themselves against individuals with healthier figures, negatively affecting their daily lives, work performance, and social interactions.

Considering obesity impacts every organ system in the body, it may reduce life span by 2 to 5 years (Wilhelmi de Toledo et al., 2020).In addition, obesity also affects mental health. These mental effects have not been extensively studied as side effects of physical obesity. Nevertheless, evidence shows that negative obesity can also affect mental health. Feelings of inferiority are common among people whose obesity persists. Rates of depression and anxiety are more alarming because a study in Sweden found that individuals who are severely obese are three to four times more likely to exhibit signs of depression and anxiety than those with an ideal weight.

During pregnancy, obesity is connected with a higher death risk in both the mother and the baby and an increase in the risk of maternal high blood pressure (Catalano & Shankar, 2017). Women who are obese during pregnancy are likely to develop gestational diabetes and issues with labor and delivery, among other concerns. Obesity and overweight are linked to an increased risk of gallbladder disease, surgical risk, incontinence, and depression. Obesity can reduce a person’s quality of life by limiting mobility and physical strength through social, academic, and work discrimination. Also, they are obese, barriers to the quality of life, and emotional consequences seen in this disease. All these negative attributes of such disease are reduced if they were to occur to better the person.

Obesity is sometimes misunderstood as a personal issue. Even though many aspects overlap, experts appear to concur that obesity is a highly complex issue. In addition to knowing the causes of obesity, it is critical to consider ways to avoid obesity and how the community could support and assist in rehabilitating those who have such a condition. In order to combat obesity, society should employ a combination of prevention, intervention, and suppression methods. In order to be efficient, obesity prevention efforts should involve not just a healthy diet, regular exercise, and instilling good habits in everyone, but also a wide range of management tools, possible medicines, and other therapies.

Psalios, S. (2020).  Collateral Damage of the ‘War on Obesity’: The Australian Anti-Obesity Campaign: From Fat Stigma to Eating Disorders  (Doctoral dissertation, La Trobe).

Qasim, A., Turcotte, M., De Souza, R. J., Samaan, M. C., Champredon, D., Dushoff, J., … & Meyre, D. (2018). On the origin of obesity: identifying the biological, environmental and cultural drivers of genetic risk among human populations.  Obesity reviews ,  19 (2), 121-149.

Thomas-Valdés, S., Tostes, M. D. G. V., Anunciação, P. C., da Silva, B. P., & Sant’Ana, H. M. P. (2017). Association between vitamin deficiency and metabolic disorders related to obesity.  Critical reviews in food science and nutrition ,  57 (15), 3332-3343.

Wilhelmi de Toledo, F., Grundler, F., Sirtori, C. R., & Ruscica, M. (2020). Unravelling the health effects of fasting: a long road from obesity treatment to healthy life span increase and improved cognition.  Annals of Medicine ,  52 (5), 147-161.

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Essay on Obesity

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Obesity, characterized by excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health, has emerged as a global health crisis. Once considered a problem only in high-income countries, obesity is now on the rise in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings. This essay explores the causes, impacts, and solutions to the obesity epidemic, offering a comprehensive understanding for students engaged in essay writing competitions.

Obesity is medically defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher. BMI is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults.

Causes of Obesity

• Dietary Habits : Increased intake of high-calorie foods, especially those rich in fat and sugars, contributes significantly to obesity.
• Physical Inactivity : Sedentary lifestyles, accentuated by the rise in screen time and urbanization, lead to reduced physical activity.
• Genetics : Genetic factors can influence susceptibility to obesity, impacting the body’s ability to convert food into energy and regulate appetite.
• Environmental Factors : Lack of access to healthy foods, high-cost of nutritious food, and marketing of unhealthy foods contribute to unhealthy dietary choices.
• Psychological Factors : Emotional factors like stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to overeating as a coping mechanism.

The Global Rise of Obesity

• Epidemiology : According to the World Health Organization, worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975. This alarming rise is not confined to adults but is also prevalent among children and adolescents.
• Economic Development and Urbanization : As countries develop economically and urbanize, changes in lifestyle and dietary habits have led to increased obesity rates.

Impact of Obesity

Obesity, characterized by excessive fat accumulation, is not just a personal health issue but a growing public health concern worldwide. It affects individuals physically, mentally, and socially, while also imposing significant burdens on healthcare systems. This essay examines the multifaceted impacts of obesity.

Physical Health Impacts

Chronic diseases.

• Cardiovascular Diseases : Obesity increases the risk of heart diseases, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke.
• Type 2 Diabetes : There is a strong link between obesity and the development of type 2 diabetes due to insulin resistance.
• Cancer : Obesity is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, including breast, colon, and endometrial cancer.

Other Health Complications

• Respiratory Problems : Conditions like sleep apnea and asthma are more prevalent in obese individuals.
• Musculoskeletal Disorders : Excess body weight contributes to joint problems, including osteoarthritis.
• Gastrointestinal Issues : Obesity can lead to liver diseases, gallbladder diseases, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Mental Health and Emotional Impact

• Depression and Anxiety : The stigma and discrimination associated with obesity can lead to psychological distress, depression, and anxiety.
• Body Image Issues : Negative self-perception and low self-esteem are common among obese individuals.
• Eating Disorders : Obesity can be both a cause and a consequence of eating disorders like binge eating.

Social and Economic Impact

Social consequences.

• Stigmatization : Obese individuals often face societal stigma, impacting their social interactions and quality of life.
• Discrimination : There is evidence of discrimination against obese individuals in areas like employment, education, and healthcare.

Economic Burden

• Healthcare Costs : Obesity significantly increases healthcare expenses due to associated health conditions.
• Loss of Productivity : Obesity-related health issues can lead to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and premature mortality.

Impact on Quality of Life

• Mobility Issues : Obesity can restrict physical movement, affecting daily activities and independence.
• Impact on Longevity : Severe obesity is associated with a reduction in life expectancy.

Addressing Obesity

Tackling obesity requires a holistic approach, involving individual, community, and governmental efforts.

Individual-Level Interventions

• Healthy Eating : Adopting a balanced diet with reduced intake of sugars and saturated fats.
• Regular Physical Activity : Engaging in regular exercise to burn excess calories and improve overall health.
• Behavioral Changes : Developing healthy eating habits and regular physical activity routines.

Community and Environmental Interventions

• Health Education : Raising awareness about healthy lifestyle choices through education in schools and communities.
• Access to Healthy Foods : Ensuring availability and affordability of healthy food options in all communities.
• Public Health Policies : Implementing policies to reduce consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages, such as taxing sugary drinks.

Governmental and Policy-Level Interventions

• Regulating Food Industry : Implementing regulations on food advertising, especially those targeted at children, and mandating clear nutritional labeling.
• Urban Planning : Designing cities to promote physical activity, including public parks, walking paths, and bike lanes.
• Healthcare Systems : Integrating obesity prevention and treatment into primary healthcare systems.

Future Directions

Combatting obesity requires ongoing efforts and innovations.

• Technological Advances : Leveraging technology for personalized diet and exercise plans based on genetic and health data.
• Research and Development : Investing in research to understand the underlying causes of obesity and develop effective interventions.
• Global Cooperation : Addressing obesity as a global issue requires international cooperation and sharing of best practices.

In conclusion, Obesity is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences. Understanding its causes and impacts is vital in developing effective strategies to combat it. Through a combination of individual responsibility, community action, and policy intervention, the tide of the obesity epidemic can be turned. For students participating in essay writing competitions, exploring the topic of obesity is an opportunity to contribute to a crucial conversation that impacts the health and well-being of societies worldwide.

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Obesity Essay | Essay on Obesity for Students and Children in English

February 12, 2024 by Prasanna

Obesity Essay: Obesity is a condition that occurs when a person puts on excess body fat. It is a sudden and unusual increase in body fat. It can lead to heart-related diseases, blood pressure, hypertension, cholesterol, and various other health issues. The main cause of obesity is over-eating. Consuming junk food and staying away for physical activities can lead to an increase in the cases of obesity. Every 1 out of 5 children is facing obesity around the globe.

You can read more  Essay Writing  about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

Long and Short Essays on Obesity for Students and Kids in English

In this article, we have provided a long essay and a short essay, along with ten lines on the topic, to help students write this essay in examinations. Given below is a long essay composed of about 500 words and a short essay comprising 100-150 words on Obesity in English.

Long Essay on Obesity 500 words in English

Obesity essay is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10.

The world today is facing various complex diseases. Out of them, obesity is one. Obesity is a condition wherein a person starts to gain unnecessary body fat. This is an excessive and abnormal increase in body fat which can lead to various other related health issues like heart problems, blood pressure, hypertension, cholesterol, and many more. Some people think of obesity as only a cosmetic and physical concern but that’s not true.

The lifestyle of people has changed a lot. Instead of focusing more on physical activities, there has been a paradigm shift to adapting non-physical activities. Children used to play in parks and playgrounds with friends whereas now the preference has been shifted to mobile and computer games. Not only children but also elders have changed their lifestyle a lot. Previously, people preferred to do everything by themselves. Right from doing household chores to getting things from the market, everything was done manually. But time has changed a lot. Now, everything gets delivered at the doorstep. This type of lifestyle has lead to various diseases including obesity.

Additionally, obesity is even caused due to genetics as well. Some people have heredity or have genes that force them to gain weight faster as compared to others. Also, there are some medications like those consumed by bodybuilders (steroids), antidepressants, and medicines for diabetes that make changes in the body metabolism in such a way that the appetite increases resulting in gaining weight. Some people are couch potatoes and foodaholic which means they can’t stay away from food. Under such a situation the appetite increase and the chances to fill oneself with junk food enhances. This kind of habit positively increases the chances of becoming obese.

Ever-increasing cases of obesity are surely a cause of concern, but there are various cures available to treat it. Also, not every treatment is related to medication or surgery. Some of the treatments are such that are related to changes in diet and adapting to physical activities. Eating a healthy, fibrous, and nutritious diet can help reduce that excess weight. Also not munching in between and following a diet routine can help to cure obesity.

Secondly, by doing some physical activities like walking, jogging, running, or exercising one can also burn unwanted fat and calories, thereby reducing obesity. There are various drug therapies as well as surgeries like bariatric surgery that can help reduce the weight. The drug therapies can be long term as well as short term depending on the weight to be reduced. But usually, these are clubbed with natural therapies like exercising and yoga.

Obesity is now concerning more and more people. It is thus necessary to make people aware of the symptoms, causes, and cures of the disease as well. This will help to take the necessary steps and combat obesity. Everybody should adapt to the health-enhancing lifestyle and should try to reduce unhealthy habits as much as possible. It is quite true that junk food is attractive and a healthy plate looks dull but to stay healthy and fit, one needs to choose the healthy plate over junk. This is the best way to keep the self and family away from obesity.

Short Essay on Obesity 150 words in English

Obesity essay is usually provided to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Obesity is a cause of serious concern today. Although, many may not think of obesity as the disease still the effects of obesity can lead to various health issues. Obesity is a situation where a person faces a continuous increase in body mass. This increase is usually not normal and hence is a cause of concern. The diseases linked to obesity range from blood pressure, heart issues, hypertension, and diabetes as well. There are many causes of obesity. The most common cause of obesity is unhealthy food habits. An increase in the consumption of junk foods and munching in between leads to obesity.

The second cause of obesity is a decrease in physical activities. People have turned to couch potatoes. They prefer to sit and watch television rather than going out and doing physical exercises like running, walking, jogging, or yoga. The third reason is related to heredity or genetics. Apart there are other reasons related to medication that result in weight gain. There are various natural as well as medical treatments available for obesity. Adapting to healthy food habits and daily exercising can reduce weight. It can lead to a reduction in obesity. Apart there are drug-related therapies as well as surgeries like bariatric surgery available to reduce that excess weight.

It is important to adapt to a healthy lifestyle which includes intake of nutritious food and exercise to reduce obesity. Also making people aware of cause and cures of obesity can be of great use. The best way to keep the self and family away from obesity is to have a healthy lifestyle.

10 Lines on Obesity Essay in English

• Obesity is very common today. It is a situation where a person gains excessive and abnormal weight.
• It has affected 1 out of every 5 individuals in the world.
• It can lead to various diseases such as heart-related, hypertension, blood pressure, and many more.
• There are various causes of obesity right from genetic to habit related.
• Increased intake of junk food, decreased physical activities, increased medication, and unhealthy lifestyle is some major causes of obesity.
• The cases of obesity are more prevalent in children as they tend to be couch potatoes.
• Obesity can be cured by natural as well as medical ways.
• Natural ways to cure obesity include healthy food habits, a healthy lifestyle, and exercising.
• Medical treatments for obesity include drug treatment and surgeries like bariatric surgery.
• Making people aware of how to adapt to a better lifestyle can reduce the chances of obesity.

FAQ’s on Obesity Essay

Question 1. What is Obesity?

Answer: Obesity refers to a situation where the person gains abnormal and excessive weight. Such an increase in weight can lead to health issues.

Question 2. What are the causes of Obesity?

Answer: There are various causes of obesity. The main causes of obesity are unhealthy food habits, reduced physical exercises, increased medication, couch potato nature, and heredity.

Question 3. How can we cure obesity?

Answer: There are various natural and medical cures available for obesity. These include healthy food habits, exercising, drug treatment, and surgeries like bariatric surgery.

Question 4. What steps can be taken to reduce cases of obesity?

Answer: The steps that can be taken to reduce the chances of obesity are as follow:

• Intake of healthy food
• Adapting to a better lifestyle
• Say no to munching and junk food.
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Essay Samples on Obesity

How important is the role of genetics in common obesity.

Frequently characterised by a body mass index greater than 30kg/m^2, obesity is rapidly becoming a serious problem for not just high-income countries, but also middle-income countries, with trends predicting that by 2025, 21% of women and 18% of men will be obese. Even in lower-income...

Childhood Obesity: Will Children Live Long Enough To Make a Difference

The late 1940’s brought on a radical and drastic new change to the American culture when McDonald’s first opened its doors and started introducing the public to quick, easy, and convenient new ways to consume their food. McDonald’s prided themselves on being able to easily...

• Childhood Obesity

Effects of Sleep and on Childhood Obesity and Multiple Studies

Around the world there are very large numbers of obesity in children. Obesity is one factor that will carry on into your adulthood if not treated or prevented from happening. The International Journal of Obesity recognized this and decided to do a study on the...

Unhealthy Eating Habits and Childhood Obesity

Obesity in children is a growing public health concern (Memedi, Tasic, Nikolic, Jancevska, Gucev, 2013). According to the report of (WHO2018) “in just 40 years the number of school-age children and adolescents with obesity has risen more than 10-fold, from 11 million to 124 million...

Spread Of Obesity In Large Social Network: Birds Of A Feather Flock Together

In 2007 July, Nicholas Christakis, a professor of public health at Harvard Medical School, and James Fowler, an associate professor of political science at UC San Diego, published a cover article in medicine's most prestigious journal, the New England Journal of Medicine, complete with a...

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Obesity Is A Disease: Social Problem Of Being Overweight

Nowadays obesity and overweight become a major social problem. They not only have high correlation with many serious and chronic diseases but also cause economic impact. The definition of obesity and overweight is deviant or excessive fat accumulation may impair health. Body mass index (BMI),...

Considering Obesity A Disease: The Spreading Condition

What is Obesity? Obesity is a medical condition in both children and adults that occurs when someone is extremely overweight which can give rise to medical conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure. It is measured using a BMI scale which takes sex,...

Childhood Obesity: A Realistic Solution

According to the Britannica Encyclopedia, Obesity is classified as having a BMI, also known as body mass index, of forty or higher (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2019). A person’s body mass index is meant to be an indicator of high body fatness and, although it does not...

The Rates Of Childhood Obesity

The number of children experiencing childhood obesity continues to remain too high and poses health threats. Although childhood obesity is multifactorial, research has shown over and over again the impact physical activity has on decreasing this risk, as well as reducing many other health risks....

An Attempt To End Obesity With Junk And Healthy Food

In an article published by The Atlantic magazine David H Freedman poses the statement “How junk food can end obesity.” the article focuses on how the media, and Health Food enthusiasts have been demonizing industrialized, and processed foods. When I came across David’s article, the...

• Healthy Food

The Crucial Issue Of Child Obesity In The World And Methods Of Its Prevention

Abstract Child obesity is a condition of excessive body fat that results from a chronic energy imbalance whereby intake exceeds expenditure. There was telephone survey conducted among the selected minorities that have the history of child obesity. There were 10,000 respondents to the survey. Aged...

• Healthy Lifestyle

Deadly Consequences Of Sugar And Glucose Epidemic In The United States

Questions Obesity rate in the United States have been increased since the past 20 years because of the amount of food we eat which contains a lot of sugar. In addition to the obesity rate, studies have shown a connection between to large amounts of...

• High Fructose Corn Syrup

Link Between the Beverage Consumption and Body Fat in U.S Children

Abstract Soft drinks have become a major contribution to obesity and other health related problems in America. The soft drink epidemic provides many calories with added sugar. it has been linked to overall diet quality and meeting nutrient requirements. Additional eighty-five empty calories or five...

My Personal Opinion on the 'Supersize Me'

My personal opinion on the 'Supersize Me' video is Americans and everyone else on this earth is responsible for their personal choices. I don’t think restaurants should be held accountable for people gaining weight because humans have the choice if they should eat out or...

• Documentary
• Super Size Me

Obesity Epidemic in America In Documentary 'Supersize Me'

14 years ago award winning director Morgan Spurlock flamboyantly demonstrated the consequences of trying to sustain yourself on a calorie filled diet. Over a 30-day period, the producer and star of the documentary ate nothing but McDonalds for his daily three meals. He also travels...

The Vitro Meat: Meat Gone Wrong

In the United States the rate of obesity was 39.8% and affected 93.3 million US adults in 2015 and 2016, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention data (“Adult Obesity Facts”). The rate of obesity is up due to technology that is constantly...

The Occurrences of Child Obesity in U.S and Canada

Abstract This paper I will be summarizing four different articles from four different sources that’s associated with Child Obesity. Topic includes: (1) Prevalence of Obesity and Severe Obesity in US Children,1999-2014. (2) Canadian kids aren’t playing outside enough, experts say, and it’s harming their health....

The Various Causes of Child Obesity

Why is there's a big epidemic of child and adolescent obesity? Obesity is a condition that is associated with having an excess amount of body fat, defined by genetic and environmental factors that are difficult to control when dieting. The state of Ohio has the...

Child Obesity Situation in Oklahoma

On September 18, 2018, an article in Metro News written by Tanveer Mann was published about a child whose name is unknown for privacy reasons who died from a heart disease caused by obesity. The child was only 13 years old and had a body...

The Problem of Child Obesity Abuse

A rhetorical analysis on child obesity abuse, over Childhood Obesity: Is it Abuse? By Abigail Darwin is an informative article on Childhood Obesity being inhibited, she describes to us what our country as a whole is doing to fight against obesity in children. She also...

Physical Activity: Learning the Outcomes and Benefits

Physical activity can be a broad spectrum which can including all forms of activity, stated by Davies (2011) “walking, cycling, active play, working out at a gym, dancing, gardening and competitive sport” (Davies et al., 2011: 1e61) (Active, 2011). Regular activity (leisure-time physical activity, workouts,...

• Physical Exercise

The Economics of Weight Loss Under Condition of Obesity

Abstract Obesity is now being considered one of the biggest health concerns globally. Ironically, while India records the largest no. of underweight population in the world along with China, it has also been placed in the top 5 countries in terms of obesity as per...

• Weight Loss

Childhood Bedtime On Adolescent Obesity

Introduction Obesity is one of the largest growing incidences in today’s society however, your sleep as a child can impact your weight as an adolescent and into adulthood. Many individuals know the importance of eating healthy and exercising, but don’t know as much about the...

• Adolescence

The Role of Evolution on Food and Eating Habits

Evolution is always happening and will always be as long as there is life to carry it out. We must admit that evolution is happening today all around us. Evolution shapes every human’s day to day life. Our knowledge of how things change, specifically how...

• Eating Habits

Popularity Of Nas And Obesity/Diabetes Spike

Non-caloric artificial sweeteners (NAS) are a popular food additive used among people of different body types. Initially, NAS were marketed to be “healthy” and a lower calorie option than for example sucrose, common table sugar. NAS are commonly found in an array of food items...

Coca-Cola In Global Fight Towards Obesity

Coca-Cola is one of the most popular brand in the world. It is also the highest selling soft drink in history. Coca-Cola is developing its business future plan is to become a total beverage company by giving people more of the drinks they demand which...

Obesity – A Multifactorial Disorder With A Genetic Basis

In past times, the genetic makeup of an individual has been said to be the main link of inheriting diseases. For some diseases, this claim may be true, however some diseases differ in the aspect as environmental factors now contribute widely to a person’s health....

Obesity – Extremely Fast Rising Public Health Problem In The United States

Obesity is currently considered the most significant public health problem in the United States that continues to rise at high levels in our world today. Unfortunately, with the struggles to manage obesity once recognized, there is still not a long-term preventative policy that exists. The...

• Public Health

Obesity As An Epidemic In America

Obesity is a condition where one has so much body fat that it could potentially affect their health negatively. A person is considered obese if their BMI (Body mass Index) is 30 kg/m2 or more. Obesity in an epidemic in the United States. Obese people...

The Problem Of High Level Of Obesity In Malaysia

Overview of Obesity According to NHMS studies from 1996-2015, the rate of obesity in Malaysia had significantly increased within these year. In term of states in Malaysia, Putrajaya recorded as the highest state that has prevalence of obesity which is 25.8% compare to Sabah that...

An Epidemic Of Obesity In Papua New Guinea

OBESITY IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA Obesity is one of the immense problem of lifestyle disease as far as health is concerned. What is obesity? Medically obesity is simply defined as the build-up or accumulation of excessive fats in the adipose tissue of the human body....

• Cultural Identity

The Policy Against Obesity In Canada

With Canada being labeled as one of countries with the most overweight population in OECD’s 2017 Obesity Calendar, there is a rising concern among policy makers to battle this epidemic. At least 25.8% of Canada’s population above the age of 15 is considered obese. (Ferreras)...

Best topics on Obesity

1. How Important is the Role of Genetics in Common Obesity

2. Childhood Obesity: Will Children Live Long Enough To Make a Difference

3. Effects of Sleep and on Childhood Obesity and Multiple Studies

4. Unhealthy Eating Habits and Childhood Obesity

5. Spread Of Obesity In Large Social Network: Birds Of A Feather Flock Together

6. Obesity Is A Disease: Social Problem Of Being Overweight

7. Considering Obesity A Disease: The Spreading Condition

8. Childhood Obesity: A Realistic Solution

9. The Rates Of Childhood Obesity

10. An Attempt To End Obesity With Junk And Healthy Food

11. The Crucial Issue Of Child Obesity In The World And Methods Of Its Prevention

12. Deadly Consequences Of Sugar And Glucose Epidemic In The United States

13. Link Between the Beverage Consumption and Body Fat in U.S Children

14. My Personal Opinion on the ‘Super Size Me’

15. Obesity Epidemic in America In Documentary ‘Super Size Me’

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Obesity in America: Cause and Effect Essay Sample

It is clear that the American lifestyle has contributed to the increasing prevalence of obesity. With estimates from the Washington-based Centers for Disease Prevention in the Department of Health and Human Services indicating that one in three American adults is overweight, it is evident that the country is facing an obesity epidemic. To better understand the causes and effects of obesity, research is needed to further explore the issue. For those struggling with obesity, coursework assistance may be available to help them make the necessary lifestyle changes in order to live a healthier life.

Writing a thesis paper on the topic of obesity can be extremely challenging. It requires extensive research and time to adequately cover the subject. However, there are services available that can provide assistance with the writing process. Pay for a thesis allows for the benefit of having an experienced professional provide guidance and support throughout the entire process.

Causes of Obesity

Every phenomenon must have a reason. In order to write a cause and effect essay , you need to analyze the topic carefully to cover all aspects. Obesity is considered to be a complex illness, with a number of factors contributing to its development. These can be:

• hereditary;

As you may have guessed, it is the latter category of causes and effects that we are interested in. At this point, we care about the five ones that have made the biggest contribution.

Product Range

The main cause of obesity is junk food and an unbalanced diet rich in simple carbohydrates, fats, and sugars, plus a bunch of additives. Manufactured, processed, refined, and packaged meals are the most popular. Thanks to advances in technology, Americans have come to mass-produce meals that keep fresh longer and taste better. It takes less time to prepare unhealthy, processed foods in the microwave than it does to cook them yourself.

Lack of a work-life balance, high-stress levels, insufficient sleeping hours contribute to body weight gain. Not only do these factors contribute to this, but failing to take the time to do your homework can also have a negative impact on your physical health. Without a healthy, balanced approach to work, rest, and play, you may find yourself increasingly dependent on a sedentary lifestyle that can lead to overweight consequences. Many Americans work 50, 60, or more hours a week and suffer from a deficit of leisure hours. Cooking processed foods saves them hours and money, even though they end up costing them a lot more – by causing cardiovascular disease. In addition, obese people feel stressed on a regular basis in the United States metropolitan areas. Many of them are simply binge eating under the influence of negative emotions. Chronic overeating leads to a disturbance in the appetite center in the brain, and the normal amount of food eaten can no longer suppress hunger as much as necessary, affecting the body mass.

Food Deserts

The term ‘ food desert ‘ refers to poor areas (urban, suburban and rural) with limited access to fresh fruit, grains, and vegetables – places where it is much easier to access junk food. A grocery shop in a food desert that sells healthy foods may be 10-15 miles away, while a mini-market or cheap shop that sells harmful snacks is close to the house. In such a world, it takes much more effort to eat healthier, form eating habits, and stay slim.

Everyone’s Passion for Sweets

Consuming sweets in large quantities is addictive: the more and easier we give the body energy, the more the brain uses serotonin and dopamine to encourage it – it will make obese people want sweets again and again during the day. Cakes and pastries are fast carbohydrates that easily satisfy hunger and increase body mass. Despite the harm of sweets, obese people experience the need for them to satiate. Sweetened carbonated drinks are one of the main sources of sugar in the American diet. Moreover, some individuals may be more adversely affected by such diets than others: patients with a genetic predisposition to obesity gain body mass faster from sugary drinks than those without it. This leads to childhood obesity.

The Harm of Tolerance

Every year, the body positive movement is becoming more and more popular all over the world. It would seem that this major trend should have freed us from the problems associated with the cult of thinness and society’s notorious standards. In many ways, a positive attitude towards the body has proved fruitful. For example, the notion of beauty has clearly broadened. Now on fashion shows and magazine covers, you can see not only a girl with perfectly retouched skin and without a single hint of body fat but also an ordinary person with its inherent features: overweight, wrinkles, hair, and individual skin features. In general, all the things that we are all so familiar with in real life.

Does it really make that much sense? Is this a positive thing in terms of the cause and effect topic regarding obesity? In short, opinions are divided. Extremes aren’t easy to overcome. Not everyone manages to do it. Researchers have concluded that due to plus size having become positioned as a variant of the norm, more persons have become obese. Many obese Americans have formed the opinion that it is really quite normal, and they have become oblivious to the damage it does to their health. This is what we are going to focus on next.

Effects of Obesity

We all know that obesity is dangerous to health. However, medical studies show that most adults are unaware of the number of complications and diseases that obesity in America entails. So they are fairly comfortable with becoming gradually fatter. But indifference is replaced by concern when obesity related diseases begin to occur.

For interesting examples of students writing that also reveal the causes and effects of other phenomena, consult the custom essay service offering essays by professionals. In this way, you will realize the importance of highlighting the effects right after the causes.

Is obesity an aesthetic disadvantage, an inconvenience, a limitation in physical activity or is it an illness after all? How does it affect health, and what are the consequences? The visible signs of obesity are by no means the only complication associated with this condition. Obesity creates a high risk of life-threatening diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart attack, myocardial infarction, and kidney and liver problems. Moreover, it can also lead to disability.

Cardiovascular Disease

This is the most serious and damaging impact on the body and blood vessels in particular. Every extra kilo is a huge additional load on the heart. Obesity increases the risk of heart attacks. Experts from the American Heart Association have developed a paper on the relationship between obesity and cardiovascular disease, which discusses the impact of obesity on the diagnosis and outcomes of patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Childhood obesity aggravates the course of cardiovascular disease from a very early age. The fact that even kids and adolescents are obese is associated with high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia.

The result is excessive insulin production in the body. This, in turn, leads to an overabundance of insulin in the blood, which makes the peripheral tissues more resistant to it. As a consequence of the above, sodium metabolism is disturbed, and blood pressure rises. It is important to remember that excessive carbohydrate food intake leads to increased production of insulin by the pancreas. Excess insulin in the human body easily converts glucose into fat. And obesity reduces tissue sensitivity to insulin itself. This kind of vicious circle leads to type 2 diabetes.

Effects on Joints

Obesity increases the load on joints to a great extent, especially if one undergoes little or no physical activity. For instance, if one lives in a megalopolis, where all physical activity consists of getting off the sofa, walking to the car, and plumping up in an office chair at work. All this leads to a reduction in muscle mass, which is already weak, and all the load falls on the joints and ligaments.

The result is arthritis, arthrosis, and osteochondrosis. Consequently, a seemingly illogical situation is formed – there is practically no exercise, but joints are worn out harder than in the case of powerlifters. In turn, according to a study by the University of California, reducing body weight reduces the risk of osteoarthritis.

Infertility

In most cases, being obese leads to endocrine infertility, as it causes an irregular menstrual cycle. Women experience thyroid disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, problems with conception, and decreased progesterone hormone. Obese men are faced with erectile dysfunction, reduced testosterone levels, and infertility. It should be noted that the mother’s obesity affects not only her health but also the one of her unborn child. These children are at higher risk of congenital malformations.

Corresponding Inconveniences

Public consciousness is still far from the notion that obese people are sick individuals. The social significance of the issue is that people who are severely obese find it difficult to get a job. They experience discriminatory restrictions on promotion, daily living disadvantages, restrictions on mobility, clothing choices, discomfort with adequate hygiene, and sexual dysfunction. Some of these individuals not only suffer from illness and limited mobility but also have low self-esteem, depression, and other psychological problems due to involuntary isolation by watching television or playing video games. Therefore, the public has to recognize the need to establish and implement national and childhood obesity epidemic prevention programs.

Society today provokes unintentional adult and childhood obesity among its members by encouraging the consumption of high-fat, high-calorie foods and, at the same time, by technological advances, promoting sedentary lifestyles like spending time watching television or playing video games. These social and technological factors have contributed to the rise in obesity in recent decades. Developing a responsible attitude towards health will only have a full impact if people are given the opportunity to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. At the level of the community as a whole, it is therefore important to support people in adhering to dieting recommendations through the continued implementation of evidence-based and demographic-based policies to make regular physical activity and good nutrition both affordable and feasible for all. It is recommended to cut down on the food consumed.

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Obesity Essays

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Obesity is when we are beyond overweight. If you are above 30 on the Body Mass Index or BMI scale you’re classified as obese. It means you have excessive fat which could be a major health risk. Of course, in our world these days, especially in developed countries and even rapidly growing developing countries, obesity is becoming a major problem.

We’ve advanced our food production and distribution channels so well that food access is so easy for most of the world. We’ve also made many jobs much easier due to technology and a growing demand for office-type jobs. That means we can easily consume calories without being able to work them off properly.

There’s also been a huge growth of people becoming foodies and combining food with pleasure, which has led to an overwhelming increase in how much the average person consumes. It can lead to numerous issues in our health and can eventually kill us or have us lead quite unhealthy and painful lives.

How to write an essay on obesity

You want to look at the science of obesity which involves examining what causes it, why it happens in the first place and what the potential solutions are. It’s become a global issue especially with children. They are growing up in a world with easier food access but not knowing what food to avoid. These can lead to diseases such as cardiovascular issues and diabetes which are a real threat.

There’s plenty of information out there, and make sure that you take a neutral approach to it since you can have the evidence back up whatever position you may be trying to take. You can look at how food is made today, and how overly processed it is, how sugar is a huge influence on our diet, and even how we’ve cultivated core food groups to be more appealing (such as growing fruit that’s sweeter than it was in the past).

Topics you can use include:

• The causes of obesity • The health risks of obesity • Preventing and treating obesity • The impact of obesity on society • The role of the food industry in obesity

If you still don’t know how to start, essay examples on this page may help you set your thoughts and start writing.

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Obesity as a Worldwide Problem and Its Solution Essay

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Introduction

What exactly is obesity, reasons of obesity, healthy eating habits – the only solution, survey page.

The progress of a nation solely rests on the citizens. Of greater significance are their socio-economic, political conditions. A huge sum is spent every year by the government for the welfare of the subjects. With the change in policies every year, a novel decision is taken up. These decisions cater to individual interests in the larger interest of society in general.

Unfortunately, the world now witnesses an unhealthy scenario caused due to socio-economic, political imbalances. They affect the physical and mental health of individuals. Perhaps, one of the most glaring problems of the day seems to be obesity. Once, considered a symbol of wealth and social status, physical attractiveness, strength, and fertility by certain European cultures, western culture takes a negative stand on it. The obese are unattractive and negative stereotypes. They are a social stigma, targets of bullies, and shunned by peers. Above all, obesity is seen as a sign of lower socioeconomic status, more a medical condition in modern western culture. Ironically, the USA accounts for 64.5% of its population either overweight or obese.

The Times America has reported, “It’s not healthy to be obese, and if we keep going the way we are headed, the long-term medical costs may be more than we can bear” (Americas Obesity Crisis, 2004).

The problem of obesity is a worldwide issue that needs due attention. It has been medically proved that obesity could be fatal. What exactly is obesity? “The natural energy reserve, stored in the fatty tissue of human and other mammals is increased to a point where it is associated with certain health conditions or increased mortality. It is viewed as a serious and growing health problem which gives birth to certain other diseases like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus type 2, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis” (Obesity, 2008).

Visit: www win.niddk.gov/publications/health_risks.htm# sleep for more information on the relationship between sleep apnea and obesity.

BMI (body mass index) is a widely used method for estimating body fat. Calculated by dividing the subject’s weight by the square of his/her height, typically expressed either in metric or US “Customary” units, a frightening score could take away the cheer from every face.

The dreaded physical condition has umpteen reasons for its attack, the main being a sedentary lifestyle. The last quarter of the 20th century has witnessed a rapid acceleration of obesity in western society. Hence, it remains a persistent problem.

To arrive at a definite reason for a large number of obese in a nation, it would be sufficient to note the patterns of lifestyles of each individual. It would also suffice if the socio-economic conditions are taken into consideration. It would be wise to elaborate on the principal causes of this condition and arrive at a suitable solution to it.

The primary reason is we have seen earlier is an increasingly sedentary lifestyle and lack of activity. This causes the deposits of excess fat principally in the abdomen areas and hence enlargements of muscles concerned. Yet another reason could be the lower relative cost of foodstuffs. This enables people of all walks of life to take in food whether necessary or unnecessary. Increased marketing, accounts for the innumerable stock of junk food, preferred by children and adults alike. In two-income households, the clock never ticks in the kitchen, the occupants never bother to take care of their health. Food is often taken from restaurants where delicious and sumptuous food three or more times a day causes unhealthy eating habits.

Regular exercise and eating right are considered to be the best solution to the problem. Exercise requires energy (calories) stored as body fat. The body breaks down its fat stored to provide energy during prolonged aerobic exercise. Medical help ranging from pills to surgery is recommended in certain extreme cases of obesity. The probable reasons could be thyroid malfunction or other organ dysfunction.

It is the only problem that needs immediate remedy as the sufferers not only undergo physical torture but also mental anguish. In the years to come, a significant number of Americans could turn against themselves and the results could lead to disaster and deaths. I could sound embarrassing. But there is enough evidence to prove that the silent sufferers end up taking their own lives due to social pressures and inhospitable environment.

Concrete measures in this direction must be enforced by the government. Citizens should be given proper guidance. Measures to enhance awareness should be designed.

It is pathetic that America, the world’s most developed country has the ‘smallest fund of practical nutritional knowledge’ (Obesity in America).

To illustrate this point, Dr. Dean Ornish. M.D- Cardiologist said in an interview, “I’d love to be able to tell people that bacon and eggs are health food, but they are not.” “An easier way a fewer calorie is not just to change the amount of food but the type of food, because fat has 9 calories per gram, whereas protein and carbohydrates have only 4. So when you eat less fat, you eat fewer calories without having to eat less food.” (Interview Dean Ornish, M. D, 2004).

Dr. Ornish’s book Eat More, Weigh Less is based on this concept.

His method has been scientifically proven because it is based on abundance rather than on deprivation.

“You can eat when you’re hungry, you can eat until you’re full, and you still lose weight and keep it off…..” (Ornish).

Dr.Ornish further claims that his diet has been proven to stop or reduce heart disease and has been backed up by scientific studies. His claim and findings cannot be written off as our ancestors led a healthy life as they fed on food coming directly from the land. Obesity wasn’t even a word.

With modern technology, change in American diet and lifestyle, eating fast food, microwave dinners, and a diet of packaged, processed, and refined foods, the American finds himself digging his own grave. People with determination and a will to survive have succeeded in being healthy again. Alas! The number of such people is only a handful. Inevitably, processed food, fast foods, meat products, high sugar, and high sodium food have to be substituted by whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes.

To substantiate the above statement, Nathan Sorensen, a leading dietician has outlined 10 important tips for a healthy eating habit.

• Eat breakfast daily.
• Plan your daily meals.
• Pack a fruit snack for the commute.
• Choose the smaller portion food entrée’s, if you eat out for lunch.
• Eat a snack when you get home; tortillas with salsa.
• Before grocery shopping, write a shopping list.
• Plan and prepare fish and vegetable meals weekly.
• Choose not to add fat to prepared foods.
• Eat dinner every night before 7.30P.M.
• Have a snack an hour or so before food. (Sorensen, 2008).

There have been innumerable articles, journals, and books written on this concern. Medical science has advanced to such an extent that it can provide a remedy to almost all ailments. Health is probably the only field wherein the individual has to equip himself before approaching his specialist on his predicament. The most important factor seems to be willpower and self- control. Yet another fact is a change in his lifestyle. The doctor is only a medium through which the individual can find a solution to his ailment, but the ultimate cure lies in the hands of the patient.

A nation can be adjudged the best by the quality of its products, its approach on the socio-economic and political fronts, individual expertise, and above all health. America stands ahead of all the nations in the world in all the above respects except, general health. This problem has assumed a gigantic proportion which requires total co-operation to the reduction of its size. By total co-operation, I mean the individual, the market, the government, and medical science sitting together to arrive at an amicable solution.

Americas Obesity Crisis . Time Online addition. 2004. Web.

Obesity . Wikipedia. 2008. Web.

Obesity Trends. ObesityinAmerica.org. 1991-2003. Web.

Obesity in America . Down to Earth. Natural Foods .2008. Web.

Ornish, Dean M. D.Interview Frontline. 2004. Web.

Sorensen, Nathan. Obesity in America. Food & Nutrition . 2008. Web.

To show the depth of the gravity of the situation, a survey was conducted and the results obtained was quite alarming. Nearly, 65% of adults in America are prone to obesity due to circumstances of the modern man’s life.

The percent obese graph listed below supports the view.

Age group 1991 1995 1998 2000 2001

18-29 7.1 10.1 12.1 13.5 14

30-39 11.3 14.4 16.9 20.2 20.5

40-49 15.8 17.9 21.2 22.9 24.7

50-59 16.1 21.6 23.8 25.6 26.1

60-69 14.7 19.4 21.3 22.9 25.3

>.70 11.4 12.1 14.6 15.5 17.1

An alarming upward trend is seen. (Obesity Trends, 1991-2003).

The US has the highest rate of obesity in the developed world. In 2004, the CDC reported that 66.3% of the adults in the US are overweight or obese. True but unbelievable, a stressful mentally and insufficient sleep could also result in obesity. Genetic reasons seem to be silent killers in this direction.

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Bibliography

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150 Obesity Essay Topics + [Obesity Essay Example]

• September 15, 2022
• Essay Topics and Ideas

Obesity is a serious issue in the United States, and it’s only going to get worse before it gets better. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one-third of American adults are obese, which is a worrying statistic. If you’re looking for obesity essay topics to write about, you’ve come to the right place!

Here's What You'll Learn

• What is Obesity?

Obesity is an excess of body fat that leads to health problems. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) above 30. BMI is a measure of weight in relation to height. It uses the following formula:

BMI = weight (kg) / height (m2)

A BMI over 30 indicates obesity. A BMI over 25 indicates being overweight, and a BMI over 30 indicates obesity. Obesity is associated with an increased risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, some types of cancer, and arthritis.

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How to Write an Obesity Essay

The format of an obesity essay is similar to writing any other essay. If you need help regarding how to write an obesity essay , it is the same as writing any other essay. 

Obesity Essay Introduction

The trick is to start your essay with an interesting and catchy sentence. This will help attract the reader’s attention and motivate them to read further. You don’t want to lose the reader’s interest in the beginning and leave a bad impression, especially if the reader is your teacher.

A hook sentence is usually used to open the introductory paragraph of an essay in order to make it interesting. When writing an essay on obesity, the hook sentence can be in the form of an interesting fact or statistic.

Once you have hooked the reader, the next step is to provide them with relevant background information about the topic. Don’t give away too much at this stage or bombard them with excess information that the reader ends up getting bored with. Only share information that is necessary for the reader to understand your topic.

Next, write a strong thesis statement at the end of your essay , be sure that your thesis identifies the purpose of your essay in a clear and concise manner. Also, keep in mind that the thesis statement should be easy to justify as the body of your essay will revolve around it.

Body Paragraphs

The details related to your topic are to be included in the body paragraphs of your essay . You can use statistics, facts, and figures related to obesity to reinforce your thesis throughout your essay. 

If you are writing a cause-and-effect obesity essay , you can mention different causes of obesity and how it can affect a person’s overall health. The number of body paragraphs can increase depending on the parameters of the assignment as set forth by your instructor.

Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that is the crux of its content. It is necessary to write an engaging topic sentence as it helps grab the reader’s interest . Check out this detailed blog on writing a topic sentence to further understand it.

End your essay with a conclusion by restating your research and tying it to your thesis statement . You can also propose possible solutions to control obesity in your conclusion. Make sure that your conclusion is short yet powerful.

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Obesity Essay Topics

Argumentative obesity essay topics.

• How does Obesity Affect Health ?
• What Causes Obesity?
• Is Obesity a Disease?
• What are the Effects of Obesity on Health?
• How Can Obesity be treated?
• What are the Risks Associated with Obesity?
• How Can Obesity Be Prevented?
• The Causes of Obesity
• The Effects of Obesity on Health
• Strategies for Reducing Obesity
• Solutions to the Problem of Obesity

Analytical Obesity Essay Topics

• What is obesity?
• Causes of obesity
• Diagnosis and treatment of obesity
• Preventing obesity in children
• Obesity in the elderly
• Epidemiology of obesity
• What are the causes of obesity?
• How can obesity be prevented or treated?
• How has obesity become a global epidemic?
• What are the health risks associated with obesity?
• How can obese individuals live healthier and happier lives?
• What are the economic costs of obesity?
• What is the role of diet and exercise in the prevention and treatment of obesity?
• What are the social and cultural implications of obesity?
• How can obesity be addressed in international health policy ?
• What are the future prospects for obesity research ?

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Persuasive Obesity Essay Topics

• Obesity is a problem that is becoming more and more common in the United States . What are some reasons for this increase in obesity?
• What are some of the consequences of obesity?
• How can obesity be prevented or cured?
• What are some ways in which obesity can be treated?
• What are some of the interventions that are currently being used to treat obesity?
• What are the ethical implications of obesity?
• What are some possible solutions to the obesity problem?
• What are the challenges that will need to be overcome in order to solve the obesity problem ?
• What are some possible strategies for dealing with obesity?
• What are some possible implications of obesity on the health of people in the United States?

As you continue, thestudycorp.com has the top and most qualified writers to help with any of your assignments. All you need to do is place an order with us. (Obesity Essay Topics )

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Cause and Effect Obesity Essay Topics

• How has obesity become such a problem in the United States?
• What are some contributing factors to obesity?
• How has obesity been linked to various health problems?
• What can be done to address obesity?
• What are some possible solutions to obesity?
• What are the long-term effects of obesity?
• What are the social and cultural consequences of obesity?
• What are the public health implications of obesity?

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Top Obesity Essay Topics

• Obesity and overweight: what is the difference?
• Obesity: causes & effects
• Preventing child obesity
• A Lifetime Condition – Obesity
• Nursing Phone Call Program for Obesity Control Among Paediatric Patients
• The Specifics of Obesity Among Pilots
• Obesity as a Worldwide Problem and Its Solution
• Obesity Among the Elderly and Behavior Intervention
• School Lunches Addressing Childhood Obesity
• The Rising of Obesity in America
• Childhood Obesity: Prevention Methods
• Advertising as a Current Issue in Childhood Obesity
• How Obesity Affects Our Health
• Obesity and Its Challenges Analysis
• Health Concerns and Obesity Among Acworth Residents
• Advertising and Childhood Obesity
• Obesity and Bariatric Surgery Intervention
• Pediatric Obesity and Screen Time
• Obesity Rates in Lithuania
• Obesity in America: Gastric Bypass Surgery and Bariatric Surgery
• Childhood Obesity and Related Program Evaluation
• Obesity Tackling on Critical Thinking Standards
• Obesity and Psychosocial Factors Affecting It
• Japanese Campaign Against Obesity
• Survey to Study the Relationship Between Fast Food Consumption and Obesity
• Obesity as a Family Issue in the Community
• Youth Culture, Obesity and Moral Panic
• Obesity Blame Culture and Its Major Causes
• Tobacco Consumption and Obesity
• The Problem of Obesity: Public Health Infrastructure
• The Main Reasons and the Ways of Obesity Prevention
• Dieting Habits Associated With Obesity
• Screen Time and Pediatric Obesity
• Food Addiction and Obesity in Children and Teens
• Health Promotion and Obesity Prevention
• The Problem of the Childhood Obesity in Modern Society
• Commercial Advertising Impact on Child Obesity
• What Is the Cause of Rising Obesity in the America
• Child Obesity and Overweight in the United States
• Global Trends in Overweight and Obesity
• The Problem of Childhood Obesity
• Dunet et al.’s Obesity & State Plan Article Critique
• Obesity in the UAE: An Overview
• Management of Obesity and Social Issues That Emerge With Its Development
• Childhood Obesity Intervention and Its Effectiveness
• School Lunch Program on Reducing Obesity Among Children
• Factors That Lead to Obesity Among Children and Adolescents
• Situational Analysis of Obesity in the United Arab Emirates
• Utilizing Pender’s Health Promotion Model: Patient Education
• Childhood Obesity as a Serious Public Health Problem
• Communication Between Sleep, Behavior and Obesity
• The Medical and Non-Medical Interventions in Obesity Among School Going
• Obesity Among Schoolchildren and Solutions
• Obesity and Nutritional and Surgical Management
• Obesity and Management
• Overweight and Obesity Among Primary School Children
• Screening for Obesity
• Overweight and Obesity Among African Americans
• Epidemiology of Obesity: Development and Impact
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• Clinical Guidelines for Adult Obesity
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• Public Health. Epidemiology of Obesity
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• Obesity in Adults: Issue Review
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• Childhood Obesity: Problems and Issues
• Advertising and Child Obesity: Content Analysis of Food Commercial on Saturday Morning Television
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• Problem of Obesity in America
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• COVID-19 and obesity
• Obesity and cancer: the connection
• The most common health consequences of obesity
• Obesity and malnutrition in developing countries
• Healthy food promotion as a way to prevent obesity
• Preventing overweight on the societal level
• Physical activity as a way to fight obesity

Childhood Obesity Essay Topics

• Impact of parents on the child’s obesity.
• Reasons why a child is obese if they are well raised.
• Compare excessive weight rates among adults and children.
• How can gadgets affect the increased weight among children?.
• How can wifi contribute to children’s lack of movement?
• Regular exercise promoting a healthy weight among children.
• Abuse of children leads to uncontrolled eating as they grow old.
• Neglected children tend to eat more as a sign of rebellion.
• Health effects of obesity on children.
• Rates of bullying among overweight children.
• The home environment causes children to eat junk food.
• Children raised with siblings are less likely to be obese.
• How to promote exercise and proper diet for children at school and home?
• How to encourage children to skip sweets to prevent obesity?
• What can the school do to tackle the weight issue?

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Obesity Essay Example

Childhood obesity is not a matter to take lightly. In fact, it has proven to be a very serious health problem not just within our state, but within the United States as a nation. Just as the size of our residents have, the issue of obesity has become much larger than it has before.

It is debatable as to what can be fully attributed to this lifestyle. In fact, I personally do not believe that the issue of obesity is a matter that can be blamed on one particular issue. At this point in human history, we have become unfortunate enough to see this result from genetics, overeating, inactive lifestyles, or just poor self-care in general.

The most unfortunate but most undeniable aspect of obesity is that it is a problem which our children have had the misfortunate to inherit. While the nation may be facing this problem, it is one which medical professionals and the general public alike have already acknowledged to the point of taking action against.

This is not to say that obesity is going to affect everyone. Municipalities throughout the country have different statistics regarding their obesity rates. Moreover, children, regardless of their genetics, must have the same opportunities to become who they want to be while they are still young.

To prevent future obesity in children, West Virginia, among the rest of the states in the union, have implemented legislative plans to work with the NPAP. (Abildso, et. al, 2016) This plan acknowledges the rising rate of obesity in our nation’s children as well as the need to make some significant changes. In West Virginia, the lack of Bachelor’s degrees and physical activity is notably higher than that of the US average.

Moreover, the population is predominately rural. (Abildso, et. al, 2016) This leads me to believe that a lack of proper education and resources can be attributed to West Virginia’s extraordinarily high childhood obesity rate. Moreover, those living in the country as opposed to densely populated areas have fewer access to health resources.

According to a study conducted in Charleston, the largest city in West Virginia, 78 percent of surveyed children met the criteria to either be deemed as obese or have hypertension. (Co, et. al, 2015)

Due to the high number of homeschooled students and students in rural communities, a five-year plan has been implemented in the state of West Virginia. (Partington, et. al, 2015) This plan focuses specifically on children.

From an early age, children in West Virginia will be educated in regards to physical activity as well as eating habits. As opposed to a traditional physical education course, children participating in curriculums that abide by this plan will be taught the significance of how the material of the class. The goal behind this is to encourage children to be wary of their fitness in order to avoid the many outlets for obesity that are promoted to them and their parents.

The primary contributors to these findings have been academic minds. In the case of children, one would hope that a nurse or other medical professional would never be in a position to give them news regarding a negative health condition that they do not have the capacity to understand. However, those in medical fields have been the ones to conduct the necessary studies to reach these conclusions.

 In turn, this has made it easier to pass the necessary legislation to encourage children to be cautious of their health in hopes that they will be able to avoid obesity as adults. While obesity may seem to be a matter of appearing unattractive at an early age, the physical health consequences become more evident later in life.

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Nursing professionals were able to obtain the necessary medical knowledge that paved the way for the academic minds that were able to conduct these studies. As a child, obesity may be the only thing that a child knows. In this modern age, it is often a matter of genetics and disregard for one’s eating habits and physical appearance.

In the case of those who affected in terms of their genes, other health conditions are also likely to ensue later on in life. It is unfair to the child, who has not been educated to act any differently. As the majority of people in West Virginia live in rural communities and have low levels of education, a disregard for one’s personal health and appearance would not be surprising.

However, there is much more to this national problem than just outer appearance alone. As the previously discussed study indicated, many of the people who fell into the group of people who were obese also had hypertension. This indicates an extraordinarily high level of blood pressure, especially considering that the surveyed group was comprised of children.

As children are not yet knowledgeable enough to be held accountable for their actions, it is not fair to them that they inherit the same physical health issues that their parents did. These are avoidable through proper dieting and adequate physical activity, however.

The five-year plan that was established in West Virginia to accommodate specifically focuses on children who are at risk of becoming obese in their adult years. As this happens, it becomes harder to address one’s health conditions and change them for the better. As such, the plan focuses on teaching the importance of physical health at an early age, both in terms of physical activity and proper dieting.

Related FAQs

1. how to write an obesity essay.

The details related to your topic are to be included in the body paragraphs of your essay. You can use statistics, facts, and figures related to obesity to reinforce your thesis throughout your essay. If you are writing a cause-and-effect obesity essay, you can mention different causes of obesity and how it can affect a person’s overall health.

2. What is obesity?

Essay on obesity! Find high quality essays on ‘Obesity’ especially written for school, college, science and medical students. These essays will also guide you to learn about the causes, factors, treatment, management and complications related to obesity. Obesity is a chronic health condition in which the body fat reaches abnormal level .

3. Are there any research paper topics about obesity?

Not to waste your essential study time, we have composed a set of research paper topics about obesity to help you start the writing process quickly. How to Choose Obesity Research Paper Topic? You could be stuck in choosing an interesting, valuable topic for your next research paper .

4. What is a childhood obesity essay?

In many countries, obesity is becoming the leading cause of death. From an overabundance of unhealthy food to a tendency to be less active, the habits of parents often transfer to their children, resulting in the acuteness of a childhood obesity essay .

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Introduction, acknowledgements, author contributions, disclosures, data availability, abbreviations, exploring the gut microbiota: key insights into its role in obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.

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Sabitha Sasidharan Pillai, Charles A Gagnon, Christy Foster, Ambika P Ashraf, Exploring the Gut Microbiota: Key Insights Into Its Role in Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, and Type 2 Diabetes, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism , 2024;, dgae499, https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgae499

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The gut microbiota (GM), comprising trillions of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract, is a key player in the development of obesity and related metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), metabolic syndrome (MS), and cardiovascular diseases. This mini-review delves into the intricate roles and mechanisms of the GM in these conditions, offering insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeting the microbiota. The review elucidates the diversity and development of the human GM, highlighting its pivotal functions in host physiology, including nutrient absorption, immune regulation, and energy metabolism. Studies show that GM dysbiosis is linked to increased energy extraction, altered metabolic pathways, and inflammation, contributing to obesity, MS, and T2D. The interplay between dietary habits and GM composition is explored, underscoring the influence of diet on microbial diversity and metabolic functions. Additionally, the review addresses the impact of common medications and therapeutic interventions like fecal microbiota transplantation on GM composition. The evidence so far advocates for further research to delineate the therapeutic potential of GM modulation in mitigating obesity and metabolic diseases, emphasizing the necessity of clinical trials to establish effective and sustainable treatment protocols.

The gut microbiota (GM), consisting of trillions of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), significantly influences the development of obesity and related metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), metabolic syndrome (MS), and metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease ( 1-4 ). We aimed to provide a broad overview of the topic by conducting a thorough literature review through PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on significant studies published up to 2005. The review examined the nature of the GM, factors that disrupt its balance (dysbiosis), and how such disturbances contribute to the onset of obesity, T2D, and MS.

Human GM: Diversity, Development, and Impact on Health

The GM refers to the community of microorganisms residing in the GIT consisting of commensal, symbiotic, and pathogenic microorganisms while the microbiome encompasses all the genetic material of that microbiota ( 5 , 6 ).

The human GM consists of approximately 100 trillion cells, which is 10 times the number of human cells ( 5 , 7 , 8 ). The density and composition of the GM increase from the upper to the lower intestines, with the highest diversity found in the colon ( 9 ). The composition of these microbial communities varies across different body sites and is influenced by various factors including host genetics, age, sex, weight, diet, immune system, oxygen levels, pH, bile acids, gastrointestinal transit time, mucus production, disease states, medications, probiotics, certain surgeries like gastric bypass, and environmental factors ( 9-15 ).

The colon, with its high transit time, favorable pH, low cell turnover, and redox potential, is particularly conducive to bacterial proliferation ( 16 , 17 ). The healthy human GM comprises over 1000 bacterial species, predominantly from 6 phyla: Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia ( 3 , 18 ).

Colonization begins shortly after birth and progresses into adulthood. The GM composition varies in early life, influenced by delivery mode, feeding method, and diet with differences noted between vaginally born and cesarean-born infants. The maternal microbiome during pregnancy and whether the infant is breastfed or formula-fed also play crucial roles ( 13-15 ). By the age of 3, a more adult-like GM pattern is established ( 5 ). A diverse GM is rich in number and variety. The GM undergoes significant changes and transitions during childhood before reaching a relatively stable adult-like state ( 19-22 ).

A Japanese study investigated age-related changes in GM composition in 367 healthy individuals aged 0 to 104 years by analyzing the fecal samples. Significant GM transformations occurred during childhood (<20 years) as it matured and again after 70 years of age, shifting to an “elderly type.” Actinobacteria abundance markedly decreased after weaning and continued to decline with age. Firmicutes became dominant postweaning but were less abundant in children under 4 years compared to older subjects. Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria increased after age 70 years, opposite to the Firmicutes trend. Distinct coabundance groups (CAGs) dominated at different life stages: Bacteroides, Eubacterium, and Clostridiaceae CAGs (elderly associated); Enterobacteriaceae CAGs (infant and elderly-associated); Bifidobacterium CAGs (infant/child-associated); Lachnospiraceae CAGs (adult-associated); and Megamonas and Peptoniphilus CAGs (relatively enhanced in the elderly). Sequential changes occurred in Bacteroides, Lachnospiraceae, and Bifidobacterium CAGs in the GM during childhood and adolescence ( 23 ). These changes likely reflect the interplay between the developing GM and host physiological factors across the lifespan.

A study from the Netherlands compared the GM composition and functional potential between children aged 9 to 12 years (the Generation R Study) and adults aged 46 to 88 years (the Rotterdam Study). Children exhibited lower GM diversity and higher levels of genus Bacteroides , while adults had an increased abundance of genus Blautia . Children's GM showed overrepresentation of pathways related to glycan degradation and riboflavin, pyridoxine, and folate biosynthesis. Adults’ GM had higher abundances of pathways involved in carbohydrate metabolism, beta-lactam resistance and thiamine and pantothenate biosynthesis. This suggests a shift from predominantly catabolic pathways in children to more biosynthetic pathways in adults ( 21 ).

The GM in healthy adults tends to be stable, shaped more by environmental factors than by host genetics ( 14 ). GM disruptions due to external factors can alter the symbiotic relationship with the host, potentially leading to the development of metabolic diseases ( 24 ).

GM and Host Physiology

Large microbiome projects, such as the Human Microbiome Project in the United States and the Metagenomics of the Human Intestinal Tract in Europe, which utilized advanced analytic methods, such as high-throughput sequencing and metagenomic data analysis, have significantly contributed to our understanding of the human microbiota's organismal and functional data ( 3 , 25 ).

GM, Diet, and Metabolic Pathways

The GM plays a crucial role in energy extraction from the diet and synthesizes metabolites that function as signaling molecules, which regulate the neuro-immune-inflammatory axes, linking the gut to other organ systems ( Fig. 1) ( 3 , 22 ). Humans lack the enzymes needed to digest complex carbohydrates and depend on GM to digest complex dietary components like dietary fiber and starch, generating monosaccharides and short-chain fatty acids (SCFs) through hydrolysis and fermentation of undigested food components. SCFs, including butyrate, propionate, and acetate, provide about 10% of the human body's caloric needs and 70% of the adenosine triphosphate produced in the colon ( 3 , 5 , 17 , 22 , 25 , 26 ).

Gut microbiota and host metabolism: the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in the metabolism of dietary components. Undigested carbohydrates, proteins, and fats from the diet reach the colon and serve as substrates for bacterial fermentation. Gut bacteria possess a diverse array of enzymes that break down complex dietary components into metabolites like SCF, gases, and other bioactive compounds. These microbial metabolites can influence host energy balance, appetite regulation, and metabolic processes. For instance, SCF produced from fiber fermentation can modulate host energy harvest, satiety hormones, and glucose homeostasis. Additionally, the gut microbiome is involved in the metabolism of polyphenols, bile acids, and vitamins, further impacting host metabolism and health.

Abbreviations: GLP-1, glucagon-like peptide 1; GPCR, G protein coupled receptor; PYY, peptide YY; SCF, short-chain fatty acid; TGR-5, Takeda growth factor receptor 5.

Acetate, in particular, is utilized by muscle and adipose tissues, while butyrate supports the intestinal epithelial cells and maintains intestinal integrity by promoting tight junction proteins and mucin production, thereby preventing harmful bacterial translocation and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated inflammation ( 17 , 18 , 27 ). Butyrate and propionate promote intestinal gluconeogenesis ( 1 , 27 ) protecting against diabetes and obesity by positively regulating glucometabolic pathways and hepatic gluconeogenesis ( 27 , 28 ). SCFs also regulate the expression and action of anorexigenic hormones like glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY) through activation of G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). GPCR41 activation releases PYY and leptin, while GPCR43 activation releases GLP-1 and GLP-2, stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion, increasing gut transit time and satiety, and reducing food intake ( 18 , 22 , 28 ).

Microbial lipases degrade triglycerides and phospholipids into their polar head groups and free lipids ( 17 ). Unmetabolized SCFs reach the liver as precursors for gluconeogenesis (propionate) and lipogenesis and cholesterol synthesis (acetate and butyrate) ( 17 ). High levels of SCFs inhibit lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in the small intestine, reducing fatty acid release and promoting triglyceride uptake, leading to increased fat storage ( 22 ). Acetate and butyrate promote fatty acid oxidation and energy expenditure through their activation of 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase ( 18 ).

The GM metabolizes bile acids, converting unabsorbed primary bile acids to secondary bile acids via colonic microbiota's bile salt hydrolases ( 3 ), which enhance local intestinal immunity by inhibiting pathogenic growth ( 17 ).

The GM regulates the endocannabinoid system, affecting host metabolism, energy, immunity, inflammation, and glucose and lipid metabolism. Conversely, the host's endocannabinoid system influences GM composition and activity, controlling energy expenditure and food intake via the gut-brain axis ( 29 , 30 ).

Dietary amino acids are absorbed by intestinal epithelial cells and the bacterial lumen for survival, bacterial constituent synthesis, and metabolism. Undigested proteins in the small intestine undergo fermentation in the colon by the GM. Additionally, the GM produces essential amino acids and vitamins like K and biotin for the host ( 3 , 8 ).

The fermentation of dietary proteins and the resulting metabolites are influenced by the protein source (animal/plant), amino acid composition, gastrointestinal transit time, overall macronutrient ratios, and GM metabolism. Dietary proteins impact the GM by modulating amino acid metabolism, amino acid transport gene expression, and immune system regulation through interactions with toll-like receptors (TLRs), autoinducer-2, and nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptors. These interactions affect the GM immune axis via various signaling pathways crucial for maintaining intestinal mucosal immunity and microbiota stability ( 8 , 31 ). Imbalances in the aforementioned factors lead to the production of potentially harmful metabolites from protein fermentation and can produce harmful metabolites like indoles, phenols, polyamines, hydrogen sulfide, amines, carnitine, and ammonia ( 32 ).

GM metabolites and proteins significantly influence host metabolism. Indole-propionic acid enhances insulin secretion and sensitivity, reducing the risk of T2D. Another metabolite N-acyl amide, mimics endocannabinoids, influencing glucose metabolism via GPCR 119 binding. GM-secreted proteins also regulate host function, such as ClpB from Escherichia coli , which mimics the host α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone to regulate appetite. In humans, Amuc_1100, from Akkermansia muciniphila ( A. muciniphila ) enhances gut barrier function with increased goblet cell density through TLR2. GM-synthesized neurotransmitters such as catecholamine, histamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and serotonin or gaseous neurotransmitters such as nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide also affect host metabolism ( 33 ).

GM and Obesity and MS

Recent literature suggests that GM dysbiosis could lead to many diseases including obesity, MS, and T2D. This occurs by decreasing microbial diversity and number, modulating paracrine and endocrine functions, changing the energy metabolism, influencing the satiety centers in the brain and pathways of inflammation, and altering the key functions performed by the microbes ( 34 , 35 ) ( Fig. 2 ).

Mechanisms linking GM dysbiosis to obesity and metabolic syndrome: GM dysbiosis contributes to the development and progression of obesity and related metabolic abnormalities by influencing energy extraction from the diet, intestinal permeability, gut inflammation, proinflammatory markers, insulin sensitivity, circadian rhythm, sympathetic nervous system, and immune system.

Abbreviations: GM, gut microbiota; LPS, lipopolysaccharide; SCF, short-chain fatty acid; SNS, sympathetic nervous system; TMA, trimethylamine; TMAO, trimethylamine oxide.

The GM is considered a key regulator of host metabolism through the crosstalk between GM metabolites and host gene expression ( 27 , 36 , 37 ). Increased intake of high-energy, low-nutrient foods (high in sugar and fat) and decreased physical activity affect the GM ( 18 , 34 , 37 ). Interventional studies of weight reduction programs have observed an association between the GM and obesity. Weight loss following bariatric surgery or a dietary-exercise combined intervention improved obesity-associated GM-dysbiosis in study participants ( 34 , 35 , 38-43 ).

Enhanced Energy Extraction

The microbial composition affects the extraction and storage of energy from the diet, with certain bacteria being more efficient at harvesting energy, leading to weight gain ( 39 ). They regulate the production of SCF, modulate bile acid metabolism, and affect endocrine pathways.

Gram-positive Firmicutes were proposed to extract calories more efficiently from carbohydrates compared to gram-negative Bacteroidetes. Firmicutes increased the fermentation of otherwise indigestible carbohydrates into SCFs, which were then absorbed and utilized for gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis ( 39 ). The increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio has been extensively studied as a potential biomarker for obesity and metabolic diseases, but the findings remain controversial. Some studies have reported an increased F/B ratio in obese individuals compared to lean individuals ( 24 , 44-46 ). However, other studies have failed to confirm this association or have even reported the opposite, with higher levels of Bacteroidetes and lower F/B ratios in obese subjects. Two meta-analyses concluded that the F/B ratio is not a consistent feature distinguishing lean from obese human GM ( 44 ). The relationship between the F/B ratio and these conditions is complex and not universally applicable ( 29 , 47 ). Perhaps what matters is not just the fractionation but also the total bacterial count and the specific composition of the GM.

Human and mouse studies observed adverse effects on health with both low and high SCF concentrations, although the ideal SCF level in the body remains unclear. High SCF levels have been linked to obesity and insulin resistance (IR) in some studies, while others have reported that SCFs can improve insulin sensitivity and promote weight loss ( 48 ). Increased SCFs have been noted in fecal sampling of individuals with obesity compared to those without obesity ( 49 ). Increased SCF production in obese phenotypes depends on several factors, including substrate availability, gastrointestinal transit, mucosal absorption, gut health, GM production, and symbiotic relationships among different microbial groups ( 29 , 49 ).

A particular microbial signature connected with a diagnosis of obesity has still not been recognized. The most common GM composition finding is reduction in abundances of butyrate-producing microbes and microbes associated with lower luminal LPS, improved intestinal barrier function, and reduced visceral fat mass (families Rikenellaceae and Christensenellaceae ; genera Bifidobacterium , Oscillospira , and Akkermansia ; and species Alistipes finegoldii , Alistipes senegalensis , and Faecali prausnitzii ) along with increases in opportunistic pathogens such as hydrogen-producing bacteria and LPS-providing bacteria (families Prevotellaceae , Coriobacteriaceae , Erysipelotrichaceae , and Alcaligenaceae ; genera Roseburia , Fusobacterium , Escherichia-Shigella , Pseudomonas , and Campylobacter ; and species Eubacterium dolichum , Staphylococcus aureus) ( 29 , 47 ).

Many studies propose that GM composition is related to weight, but certain dietary interventions appear to regulate more frequently some phyla, and, more notably, species in obesity GM composition, both at baseline and after interventions, correlated with clinical and metabolic features of the host ( 15 ). Genera Lachnospira and Oscillospira were negatively and Faecalibacterium , Clostridiales , and Clostridium were positively associated with weight. Multiple studies indicate that the human gut symbiont Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron can play a detrimental role in promoting obesity, impaired glucose metabolism, and metabolic disorders when present in higher abundance by promoting lipid digestion, absorption, and deposition through modulation of lipid metabolism pathways ( 50 , 51 ).

Bacteroides species and chiefly Prevotella species belonging to Bacteroidetes phylum were associated with reductions in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, fat mass percentage, and trunk fat percentage in various dietary models, including fiber-rich or high carbohydrate/high glycemic index diets. Subjects with an exorbitant abundance of Bacteroides were noted to have lower fiber-degrading potential than the Prevotella abundant subjects. Prevotella has been linked to both improved glucose metabolism with a high-fiber diet and IR with a high-fat diet through branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) production. However, conflicting associations exist between Prevotella abundance and obesity/metabolic diseases across different populations, with higher levels correlating with higher body mass index in Black and Hispanic individuals, particularly while on low-fiber diets. Further research is needed to understand these complex relationships and interactions with diet and host factors. Akkermansia is also associated with weight loss and positive effect on metabolic profile. Certain species like Bacteroides eggerthii , A. muciniphila , Turicibacter, and Christensenella were prevalent among individuals who successfully lost weight through commercial weight loss programs ( 15 , 52 , 53 ).

Prevotella , Roseburia , Rumnicoccus , and Eubacterium rectale , belonging to the phylum Firmicutes, and Parabacteroides distasonis , belonging to Bacteroidetes, are known to ferment complex polysaccharides to butyrate or succinate and acetate and have exhibited decreased levels in low-carb diets reliantly by the total amount of carbohydrate in cross-sectional studies. All these species appear to be a master signature of healthy diets, even though their abundance could be regulated by the preexistent GM as well as mechanisms of resilience to go back to an obesity microbiota phenotype ( 15 ).

Diet affects GM bidirectionally. Studies indicate that reduced Prevotella copri ( P. copri ) levels are linked to improved IR in those on the Mediterranean diet, whereas its abundance is associated with weight loss. While a Western diet reduces P. copri , it seems to provide metabolic benefits under a fiber-rich diet but not under a high-fat diet. This highlights how the type and source of macronutrients shape microbiota-disease connections ( 54 , 55 ). Individuals with more severe metabolic phenotypes often have a marked reduction in genera with saccharolytic activity, leading to energy production from amino acids and the generation of BCAA, which impair glucose tolerance ( 15 ).

The GM enhances nutrient absorption by increasing the density of small intestinal villi capillaries and using microbial enzymes such as glycoside hydrolase, polysaccharide lyase, and carbohydrate esterase to boost intestinal monosaccharides uptake. The GM promotes lipogenesis by activating transcription factors like sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 and carbohydrate response element binding protein, which regulate lipid metabolism genes ( 39 ).

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor regulates the expression of fasting-induced adipocyte factor, a circulating LPL inhibitor synthesized by the intestinal epithelial cells and liver. The GM can hamper the fasting-induced adipocyte factor expression resulting in increased LPL activity and fat deposition in peripheral organs, contributing to obesity ( 49 ).

An overview of the systematic reviews on observational and interventional studies studying the microbiome's role in metabolic disorders such as T2D and MS observed less bacterial diversity in those with obesity vs those without obesity. Discerning bacteria coincided between metabolic disorders, with those showing overabundance often being involved in inflammation such as Staphylococcus aureus , Ruminococcus, and Fusobacterium ( 56 ). However, it is unclear whether GM changes cause obesity or if certain diets predispose individuals to develop a GM that promotes obesity.

Disruption of Circadian Rhythm

The circadian system regulates rhythmic behavior and synchronizes peripheral clocks in organs such as the GIT. In animal studies, specific genes like Bmal1 control circadian rhythms and regulate various physiological aspects. Disruptions in these rhythms can alter GM rhythmicity and microbial metabolites, leading to metabolic issues like obesity, IR, and dyslipidemia ( 57 ).

Mice with Bmal1 deficiency, and those subjected to simulated shift work, experienced desynchronization in peripheral clocks within the GIT, altered microbial rhythms, and metabolic changes affecting weight ( 57 ). Additionally, transferring fecal matter from jet-lagged humans to germ-free mice led to obesity and IR in the mice ( 39 ). Chronic high-fat diet consumption or antibiotic use also disrupts GM and leads to similar circadian disturbances and metabolic problems ( 58 , 59 ).

Sympathetic Nervous System Stimulation

GM-derived metabolite SCFs (propionate) contribute to energy balance by causing sympathetic nervous system activation mediated through GPCR41 on the sympathetic ganglion ( 1 ).

Immune System

The GM plays a crucial role in local and systemic immunity, balancing immune responses and defending against pathogens. It locally modulates TLR expression, interacts with antigen-presenting cells, and influences T cell differentiation to maintain intestinal barrier integrity and systemic immune function. Systemically, the GM impacts immunity by influencing splenic CD4+ T cells and modulating antibody expression. GM-derived butyrate stimulates the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines [TGF-β, interleukin (IL)-10, and IL-18] and promotes the differentiation of naïve T cells into regulatory T cells ( 17 , 22 , 26 , 60 ). SCFs bind to gut epithelial receptors like GPCR41 and GPCR43, inhibiting the nuclear factor κB pathway and reducing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, and IL12) ( 11 , 18 , 22 , 60 ).

GM aids in nutrient absorption by promoting small intestinal angiogenesis ( 22 , 26 ) and helps absorb plant-derived polyphenols with antioxidant, anticancer, and/or anti-inflammatory properties through biotransformation. Other GM functions include gene regulation, xenobiotic metabolism, and behavior development ( 5 , 17 , 22 ).

The immature immune system in early life may exert different selective pressures on the microbiota compared to adults, leading to distinct microbial compositions. Studies done on animals suggest that malfunction of the innate immune system can result in altered GM leading to MS ( 61-63 ).

Inflammation of the Gut

Prior studies suggest a pivotal role of gut dysbiosis in the generation of chronic low-grade inflammation, also referred as meta-inflammation, which has been proposed as a major factor in the development of obesity and associated complications such as MS and T2D ( 1 , 18 , 64 , 65 ). This meta-inflammation results in macrophage infiltration in metabolic tissues, mainly the liver and adipose tissue, which in turn stimulates the release of proinflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1, IL-6, and other chemokines from adipocytes ( 1 ). These proinflammatory cytokines through paracrine and/or autocrine action cause more cytokines and chemokines to release from adipose tissue and also promote lipogenesis ( 18 ).

A study from Mexico found that children with MS and T2DM, compared to healthy controls, exhibited an increase in facultative anaerobes like enteric and lactic acid bacteria, along with a decrease in obligate anaerobes such as Erysipelatoclostridium , Shaalia , and Actinomyces genera, which may cause loss of gut's hypoxic environment, enhanced gut microbial nitrogen metabolism, and increased generation of pathogen-associated molecular patterns. These metabolic derangements may precipitate stimulation of proinflammatory activity and worsen intermediate metabolism in the host, potentially contributing to the development of the risk factors for MS and T2D such as IR, dyslipidemia, and central adiposity ( 66 ).

Metabolic Endotoxemia and Bacteremia

A high-fat diet alters the GM, increasing gram-negative bacteria and reducing SCFs. This imbalance compromises intestinal integrity, allowing the translocation of bacteria and their components like LPS, flagellins, and peptidoglycans into the systemic circulation ( 18 , 67 ). Increased chylomicrons in the intestine due to a high-fat diet further facilitate LPS infiltration into the bloodstream ( 24 ). This leads to the chronic low-level systemic presence of bacteria and LPS, resulting in metabolic bacteremia and endotoxemia ( 1 , 18 ). Low gut microbial diversity and a high level of proinflammatory markers and microbiota-derived LPS are often associated with obesity and MS ( 67 ). Once in the circulation, gram-negative bacteria and LPS bind to TLR4 and CD14 receptors on innate immune cells, triggering a strong immune response. However, studies indicate that in the absence of CD14 and TLR4, a high-fat diet induced metabolic bacteremia and endotoxemia do not elicit an immune response ( 18 ).

Further research, including both in vitro and in vivo studies involving mouse models and humans, demonstrated that LPS could promote the proliferation and differentiation of preadipocytes ( 67 ). LPS injections have also been shown to cause weight gain, IR, and an increase in proinflammatory markers in both mice and humans ( 56 , 68-70 ). However, the immune response requires a higher level of circulating LPS than what is typically released by bacteria, and currently, no studies have proficiently measured the exact amount of LPS generated by bacteria ( 67 ).

Role of Bacterial Metabolites

Increasing research into bacterial metabolites has highlighted their potential as biomarkers for diagnosing and predicting metabolic disorders ( 67 ). Specifically, the GM metabolizes nutrients like choline, phosphatidylcholine, and carnitine (found in red meat, eggs, dairy products, and salt-water fish), producing trimethylamine, which is then converted into trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) in the liver. Elevated levels of TMAO are linked to cardiovascular diseases due to its effects on cholesterol metabolism, vascular inflammation, platelet aggregation, and thrombosis ( 67 , 71 , 72 ). Additionally, metabolites like indoxyl sulphate and p-cresyl sulfate, derived from the microbial metabolism of tryptophan (found in foods like oats, bananas, prunes, milk, tuna, cheese, bread, poultry, peanuts, and chocolate), and LPS produced by Enterobacteriaceae in response to a Western diet are implicated in the progression of kidney disorders, cardiometabolic diseases, and metabolic endotoxemia ( 67 ). These findings indicate the significant but complex role of gut microbial metabolites in health and disease, though the specific impacts of tryptophan metabolites on MS risk factors and complications remain controversial and require further investigation ( 67 ).

Dysbiosis in the GM has been linked to increased IR, a key feature of T2D. Figure 3 depicts the various external and host factors, as well as microbiota-intrinsic characteristics affecting the GM and potential therapeutic targeting.

Factors influencing gut microbiota and potential therapeutic targets: this figure depicts the wide range of external and host factors and characteristics intrinsic to microbiota that affect the gut microbiota, as well as the potential areas for therapeutic targeting.

Altered microbiota composition has been reported in subjects with T2D, including children ( 73 , 66 ). A recent systematic review on GM in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) observed an association between GDM and GM dysbiosis, although no GDM-specific GDM-related GM was identified ( 74 ). A study on small intestinal microbiota infusions from lean donors to male recipients with MS showed increased insulin sensitivity and butyrate-producing GM levels in recipients after 6 weeks ( 75 ).

Meta-inflammation altered intestinal permeability with endotoxemia and reduced SCF production due to GM dysbiosis are associated with glucometabolic disturbances in subjects with T2D ( 64 , 76 ). Defective lipoprotein metabolism in T2D also reduces LPS catabolism, increasing endotoxemia-related inflammation ( 24 ). GM dysbiosis may modify intestinal barrier functions and host metabolic pathways directly or indirectly related to IR in T2D ( 77 ). Patients with T2D exhibit decreased butyrate-producing GM compared to healthy controls ( 28 ), leading to impaired glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity due to decreased GPCR release of PYY and GLP-1 ( 28 ).

Altered GM affects the metabolism of glucogenic amino acids, such as aromatic and BCAA promoting IR ( 78 ). Species like P. copri and Bacteroides, which promote BCAA biosynthesis, are abundant in T2D subjects ( 79 ). A study in Danish individuals demonstrated increased levels of BCAA in those with IR, linked to a GM with enhanced BCAA biosynthesis and lacking bacterial inward transporters for BCAAs ( 80 ). P. copri was identified as a key species driving the association between GM BCAA synthesis and IR, exacerbating glucose intolerance and reducing insulin sensitivity in mice ( 80 ).

In T2D subjects, there is a reduction in bacteria protecting the intestinal barrier, such as A. muciniphila and Faecali prausnitzii , and an increase in bacteria that damage the intestinal barrier, such as Escherichia coli ( 79 ). Gut microbial metabolites such as TMAO may contribute to IR and T2D ( 79 , 81 ). A human trial showed that a low-energy diet decreased choline and L carnitine levels, precursors of TMAO, resulting in better glucose tolerance in adults with obesity and overweight ( 79 , 82 ). Another study observed increased levels of imidazole propionate, a microbially synthesized histidine-derived metabolite, in subjects with T2D, impairing glucose tolerance in mice ( 83 ).

LPS impairs insulin sensitivity via activation of TLRs ( 69 ) and modulating nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptors in macrophages and dendritic cells, triggering proinflammatory transcription factors such as nuclear factor κB and interferon regulatory factors, resulting in inflammasome component transcription. These events collectively influence glucose and lipid homeostasis ( 67 ). Higher LPS and LPS binding protein levels have been observed in patients with diabetes compared to healthy controls ( 84 ).

GM and Dietary Interventions

Dietary habits significantly influence the GM composition and microbial metabolites that regulate host metabolism ( 67 , 85 ). Dietary factors such as fat composition, fiber types and food additives, and environmental influences related to high-fat, high-sugar diets can reduce GM diversity and the overall number of microbes ( 27 , 86 ). A Western diet, which is rich in fat and sugar but low in fiber, is associated with GM dysbiosis. In contrast, adherence to a Mediterranean diet increases SCF levels ( 67 ).

Short-term dietary changes can rapidly alter human GM. A study with 10 healthy volunteers aged 21 to 33, who alternated between animal-based and plant-based diets over 5 consecutive days, found that the animal-based diet phase led to an increase in bile-tolerant bacteria and a decrease in fiber-fermenting bacteria ( 87 ). Mice fed with high-fat diets exhibited characteristic microbial ecosystems: low Bacteriodes abundance, obesity, and MS with dietary saturated fatty acids; increased Bacteroidaceae with monounsaturated intake; and increased Bifidobacterium with ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids intake ( 88 ). Human studies demonstrated an increase in SCF-producing bacteria with ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids intake, whereas a protein-rich, low-carbohydrate diet resulted in GM dysbiosis and an increase in harmful metabolites like branched chain fatty acids, p-cresol sulfate, indoxyl sulfate, and TMAO ( 89 , 90 ).

The CORDIOPREV study found that both the Mediterranean and low-fat diets could resolve dysbiosis in patients with obesity and/or MS ( 91 ). Rodents fed high-fiber diets were protected against diet-induced obesity and metabolic complications, likely due to the release of GLP-1 and GLP-2 by microbial fiber fermentation metabolites ( 92 ). In humans, resistant starch supplementation for 8 weeks led to weight loss and improved IR in overweight individuals by modifying the GM, altering bile acid profiles, and decreasing inflammation through intestinal barrier restoration and lipid absorption improvement ( 93 ). Supplementation of butyrate improved body mass index in children aged 5 to 17 years with obesity compared to those treated with placebo ( 94 ). However, large cohort studies indicate that GM stability may vary over time, and stratification among populations may not be as distinct ( 95 ).

GM and Common Medications

Antibiotics are a major external disruptor of GM impacting both pathogenic and commensal gut bacteria, especially in children. Prenatal antibiotic exposure can adversely affect a child's GM ( 96 , 97 ). Studies indicate that antibiotic use during early life significantly increases the risk of overweight and obesity. However, a large multicenter study involving approximately 39 000 children observed no significant increase in weight gain difference up to age 7 between those exposed to antibiotics in the first 6 months of life and those not exposed ( 96 , 98 , 99 ). A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial involving children aged 12 to 36 months showed that14 days of azithromycin reduced GM richness and diversity, but no differences in GM composition were observed between azithromycin and placebo groups 13 to 39 months posttreatment ( 100 ). Nonantibiotic drugs such as antineoplastic drugs and proton pump inhibitors also affect GM ( 99 ). Conversely, GLP-1 agonists have a positive influence on GM, with preclinical and clinical trials showing that these drugs promote weight loss by modulating GM, likely through decreasing gastric transit time and altering the local pH and nutrient availability ( 101 ).

Restoration of Healthy GM

The potential ways to attain a healthy GM include adopting healthy dietary habits and using prebiotics, probiotics, fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) or microbiota-derived metabolites ( 73 , 85 , 102 ).

Prebiotics are nondigestible food ingredients, such as oligosaccharides, dietary fibers, and other nondigestible carbohydrates, which promote the growth of beneficial GM. They are considered a potential target for combating obesity ( 103 ). Probiotics, found in foods or supplements containing live microorganisms, include yogurt, cheese, fermented foods, and dietary supplements. Symbiotics, a combination of both probiotics and prebiotics, improves the survival and activity of beneficial GM ( 99 , 104 ). Some probiotics can aid in the recovery of tight junctions between epithelial cells and modulate gut inflammation. Both prebiotics and probiotics influence lipid metabolism and the immune system and help manage gut inflammation. They are safe for children and offer a noninvasive method to complement dietary and lifestyle changes. Certain bacterial strains, A. muciniphila , have shown promise in improving metabolic syndrome and obesity ( 105 , 106 ) However, currently, there is no incontrovertible proof to substantiate the proposed benefits of prebiotics, probiotics, and symbiotics on GM ( 99 , 107 , 108 ). Ongoing research, including clinical trials, is crucial to determine the most effective strains and doses of prebiotics and probiotics for treating pediatric obesity and MS. Over-the-counter probiotics are not yet recommended for these conditions.

FMT from a healthy donor is thought to restore a healthy GM in patients with GM dysbiosis ( 99 ). Current data on FMT for the management of obesity, MS, or T2D are limited, with few published cases involving small numbers of participants and short follow-up durations. Randomized controlled trials that evaluated FMT in people with obesity/MS comparing FMT from lean donors with controls observed conflicting results ( 109-114 ). With FMT in obese patients, donor colonization occurred in over 90% of recipients, but weight loss did not occur ( 115 ). Unlike the acute dysbiosis caused by Clostridioides difficile, which FMT can effectively treat, obesity represents a chronic state of dysbiosis, influenced by multiple factors, including dysregulation of host-microbe cross-talk. Therefore, treating dysbiosis alone may not be sufficient to improve metabolic parameters in obesity, which instead requires a multimodal treatment approach. Factors such as diet can impact the GM ratio and diversity, leading to inconsistent FMT results in treating obesity. Thus, FMT is unlikely to be a standalone therapy in treating obesity and metabolic disorders. Potential applications of FMT include combination with incretin therapy or other treatments for long-term GM modification to restore central and microbial disturbances leading to obesity ( 116 ).

The data on the GM is heterogeneous and not always reproducible; studies show varying compositions of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are likely due to the fact that GM is influenced by both intrinsic host factors and external factors ( 117 , 118 ). Future prospective studies involving large homogenous populations are warranted to assess the ideal dose, route and frequency, safety, and long-term efficacy of FMT in patients with obesity, MS, or T2D.

An altered GM composition in obesity, MS, and T2D is associated with increased energy extraction from the nondigestible dietary carbohydrates, enhanced gut permeability, and increased generation of proinflammatory metabolites, such as LPS, precipitating systemic inflammation and IR. GM manipulation to modify its influence on the development of obesity, MS, and T2D is considered a promising and novel treatment approach. GM alteration can be attained by dietary modification or administration of probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotics, and/or FMT targeting gut dysbiosis improvement in obesity and metabolic disorders. Future clinical trials are required to understand the optimal dose and frequency of these interventions and their long-term influence on host metabolism.

S.S.P. performed the literature review and wrote the initial draft of the manuscript. C.A.G. critically reviewed and edited the manuscript. C.F. performed the literature review and critically reviewed and edited the manuscript. A.P.A. performed the literature review and critically reviewed and edited the manuscript. All authors reviewed and approved the final draft.

The authors have nothing to disclose.

This is a review of the literature, and no research data are reported. Further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.

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Akkermansia muciniphila

branched chain amino acids

coabundance groups

Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes

fecal microbiota transplant

gestational diabetes mellitus

gastrointestinal tract

glucagon-like peptide 1

gut microbiota

G protein coupled receptor

interleukin

insulin resistance

ipoprotein lipase

lipopolysaccharide

metabolic syndrome

Prevotella copri

short-chain fatty acid

toll-like receptor

type 2 diabetes

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Why, Exactly, Are Ultraprocessed Foods So Hard to Resist? This Study Is Trying to Find Out.

Understanding why they’re so easy to overeat might be key to making them less harmful, some researchers say.

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By Alice Callahan

Photographs by Lexey Swall

Alice Callahan spent two days at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., and interviewed more than a dozen researchers about ultraprocessed foods.

• July 30, 2024 Updated 11:21 a.m. ET

It was 9 a.m. on a Friday in March, and Ernest Jones III was hungry.

From a hospital bed at a research facility at the National Institutes of Health in Maryland, he surveyed his meal tray: Honey Nut Cheerios with fiber-enriched whole milk, a plastic-wrapped blueberry muffin and margarine.

“Simple, old school,” one of those “Saturday morning breakfasts from back in the day,” said Mr. Jones, 38, who is studying to become a pastor.

He was about halfway through his 28-day stay at the N.I.H., and Mr. Jones was one of 36 people participating in a nutrition trial that is expected to be completed in late 2025. For one month each, researchers will draw participants’ blood, track their body fat and weight, measure the calories they burn, and feed them three meticulously designed meals per day.

The subjects don’t know it, but their job is to help answer some of the most pressing questions in nutrition: Are ultraprocessed foods harmful to health? Are they a major driver of weight gain and obesity? And why is it so easy to eat so many of them?

If researchers can answer these questions, they say, perhaps there are ways to make ultraprocessed foods healthier.

The Trouble With Processing

Ultraprocessed foods encompass a large range of foods and drinks that are made using methods and ingredients you wouldn’t typically use or find in a home kitchen. Sodas, processed meats and flavored yogurts are part of this category, as are most breakfast cereals, packaged breads and plant milks.

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• Analyst Comment

Novo faces growth challenges despite GLP-1 receptor agonist obesity boom

The industry is seeking to scale up and satisfy demand for diabetes and obesity treatments that are now chronically in shortage.

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2024 has seen serious issues for Novo Nordisk , headquartered in Bagsvaerd, Denmark. These have included fires at several of its facilities, the withdrawal of one of its obesity drugs, and changes of plan for major investments. The company’s GLP-1 receptor agonists to treat obesity are in high demand and there is naturally a large interest in developments that could affect the production of these drugs.

Novo Nordisk announced in June 2024 that it was withdrawing injectable Ozempic (semaglutide) for type 2 diabetes from the Romanian market for “commercial reasons,” leaving only Ozempic oral tablets available for diabetes treatment. Ozempic as an injectable solution in a prefilled pen will cease to be available in Romania after 31 July. Injectable versions of Ozempic have shown a major spike in demand in all markets as a high-profile weight loss treatment, resulting in widespread shortages as Novo attempts to manufacture sufficient supplies.

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Novo nordisk as, thomson reuters corp, alkermes plc, eli lilly and co, catalent inc.

Novo Nordisk faced scrutiny on Capitol Hill for pulling Levemir insulin from the US market on 16 July. Reuters stated that aides for Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Raphael Warnock and Elizabeth Warren have met with the Danish drugmaker. In April, lawmakers wrote to the company expressing alarm at its decision to permanently discontinue Levemir by the end of 2024. Novo responded that it has given patients enough time to switch to other options.

Three fires within a month

On 20 June 2024, the third fire within a month hit one of Novo Nordisk’s facilities in Denmark. The cause of the fire, at an office building connected to the company’s headquarters in the Bagsvaerd area of Copenhagen, is under investigation. However, company representatives were quick to state that “there is nothing to suggest that there was anything criminal behind the fires.” A fire at another office building, also in Bagsvaerd, occurred in late May 2024. An earlier, major fire that broke out at Novo Nordisk’s Kalundborg facility on 16 May was blamed by company representatives on construction workers operating without necessary permits. In early July, internal minutes revealed that safety measures were seriously lacking at the construction site in Kalundborg and there was dissatisfaction with the fire evacuation process.

On 24 July, a fourth fire was reported in a basement at Novo Nordisk premises in the Danish city of Måløv. The cause is currently unknown.

Mundane explanations for the fires are more credible than the fanciful speculation from some quarters, which alleges that the damage has been deliberately caused. Such speculation, which lacks supporting evidence, hinges on assessments from the Danish Security and Intelligence Service, which has warned that threats of physical and economic sabotage by alleged Russian-backed agents are multiplying in response to Denmark’s military support and training programmes for Ukraine. A more likely explanation is that the fast pace at which the company is moving to boost production capacity and expand manufacturing linked to the Wegovy (semaglutide) and Ozempic anti-obesity and diabetes drugs was a contributing factor.

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Changing plans to increase GLP-1 manufacturing capacity

Novo’s plans to increase GLP-1 manufacturing capacity have not been smooth, with large investments redirected from Ireland to the US. The industry more generally has been trying to scale up and satisfy demand for diabetes and obesity treatments that are now chronically in shortage.

On 24 June 2024, The Sunday Times reported that Novo Nordisk had abandoned investment plans at the company’s Grange Castle Business Park West site in Clondalkin, Dublin. The proposed $2.2 billion investment was unveiled at the end of 2023, to increase manufacturing capacity in Ireland to meet global demand for the company’s weight loss, diabetes, and rare blood and endocrine disease treatments. The decision to terminate the investment project is a massive blow to the Irish government. Novo Nordisk’s proposed Grange Castle Business Park West had the potential to make a substantive economic contribution as part of a cluster of similar pharmaceutical sector investments in the local area.

However, Novo Nordisk has strengthened separate plans to expand another facility based in Athlone, in central Ireland. Novo purchased the site from Alkermes Inc in late 2023, intending to develop the facility for oral drug manufacturing. The development of the Athlone unit is a much more modest investment, and this consolation prize will not disguise the disappointment of losing the proposed Grange Castle Business Park West project.

Novo’s competitors scale up production

On 25 June 2024, just after the news of the cancelled project in Ireland, Novo unveiled a $4.1 billion investment to expand the company’s US manufacturing footprint and boost the production of Wegovy. It aims to establish a second fill-and-finish facility alongside its three existing facilities in Clayton, North Carolina. Construction is expected to be completed by 2029, with some capacity coming onstream in 2027.

Novo’s competitors and their contract manufacturing organisations (CMOs) are scaling up production. In October 2023, Eli Lilly, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, US) announced an agreement with Swiss-based Corden Pharma International for the manufacturing of Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a competitor to Novo Nordisk’s obesity drugs. Under this agreement, Corden Pharma International provides active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing services from its Boulder, Colorado, US site. It was reported on 16 July 2024 that Corden Pharma is earmarking $982 million up to 2027 to expand its peptide platform capacity in the US and Europe to meet rising GLP-1 manufacturing demand.

Novo also uses CMOs to produce its semaglutide products Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy. New Jersey-based Catalent and Massachusetts-based Patheon package Wegovy, and the Portuguese company Hovione FarmaCiencia SA produces API for Rybelsus. Most of Hovione’s sites are in Europe, split across Denmark, Belgium and Portugal.

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Discontinuation and Reinitiation of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Among US Adults with Overweight or Obesity

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Importance Adherence to GLP-1 RA is important for efficacy. Discontinuation and reinitiation patterns for patients with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D) are not well-understood.

Objective To describe rates and factors associated with discontinuation and reinitiation of GLP-1 RA, for patients with and without T2D.

Design In this retrospective cohort study, adults with overweight or obesity initiated on GLP-1 RA between January 2018 and December 2023 were identified using electronic health record (EHR) data from a collective of 30 US healthcare systems. Patients were followed for up to 2 years to assess discontinuation and for 2 additional years to assess reinitiation.

Setting Clinical and prescribing data from EHRs linked to dispensing information

Participants Adults newly initiated on GLP-1 RA between 2018 and 2023, with a baseline BMI ≥27 and an available weight measurement within 60 days before initiation, and regular care in the year before initiation.

Exposure/Covariates Patients were stratified by presence of T2D at baseline. Associations with socio-demographics, health factors, weight changes, and gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events (AE) were modeled.

Main Outcomes and Measures Proportion of patients discontinuing and reinitiating GLP-1 RA were estimated from Kaplan-Meier models. Associations between covariates and discontinuation and reinitiation outcomes were modeled using time-varying Cox proportional hazards models.

All analyses were conducted for patients with and without T2D.

Results Among 96,544 adults initiating GLP-1 RA, the mean (SD) age was 55.1 (13.3) years, 65.2% were female, 73.7% were white, and 61.3% had T2D. Individual income exceeded $50,000 for 49.7% of patients with and 57.2% of patients without T2D. One-year discontinuation was significantly higher for patients without T2D (65.1%), compared to those with T2D (45.8%). Higher weight loss, absence of GI AE, and higher income (T2D only) were significantly associated with higher discontinuation. Of 28,142 who discontinued and had a discontinuation weight available, one-year reinitiation was lower for those without T2D (34.7%), compared to those with T2D (51.0%). Weight re-gain was significantly associated with increased reinitiation.

Conclusions and Relevance Most patients with overweight or obesity discontinue GLP-1 RA within 1 year, but those without T2D discontinue at higher rates and reinitiate at lower rates.

Inequities in access and adherence to effective treatments have the potential exacerbate disparities in obesity.

Question How frequently do adults with overweight or obesity discontinue and subsequently reinitiate GLP-1 RA? What factors are associated with these outcomes?

Findings In this study of 96,544 patients initiating GLP-1 RA, 46% of patients with and 65% without type 2 diabetes (T2D) discontinued within 1 year. Weight loss, income, gastrointestinal adverse events, and comorbidities were significantly associated with discontinuation. Following discontinuation, 51% of patients with and 35% without T2D reinitiated within a year. Weight re-gain since discontinuation was significantly associated with reinitiation.

Meaning While most patients discontinue GLP-1 RA within a year, discontinuation is significantly higher and reinitiation is significantly lower for patients without T2D. Weight changes, tolerability, and proxies of access to care are significantly associated with sustained treatment.

Competing Interest Statement

All authors except EJE, VZ, and TJG are employees of Truveta, Inc.

Funding Statement

This study did not receive any funding.

Author Declarations

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

Normalized electronic health record data are de-identified by expert determination under the HIPAA Privacy Rule before being made available to researchers. In accordance with 45 C.F.R. Para. 46.101 Protection of Human Subjects, our study did not require Institutional Review Board approval because it used only deidentified medical records. All data used in this study are publicly available to Truveta subscribers and may be accessed at studio.truveta.com.

I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

Data Availability

The data used in this study are available to all Truveta subscribers and may be accessed at studio.truveta.com.

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Effect of obesity on aquaporin5 expression in human placental and uterus tissues.

1. Introduction

2. materials and methods, 2.1. samples, 2.2. ultrasound investigations, 2.3. rt-pcr studies.

• Total RNA preparation from tissue
• Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR)

2.4. Western Blot Analysis

2.5. total antioxidant capacity and elisa assay, 2.6. statistical analysis, 3.1. placental sonography studies, 3.2. molecular biology studies, 4. discussion, 5. conclusions, supplementary materials, author contributions, institutional review board statement, informed consent statement, data availability statement, conflicts of interest.

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Kemény, K.K.; Kozinszky, Z.; Altorjay, Á.T.; Kolcsár, B.; Surányi, A.; Ducza, E. Effect of Obesity on Aquaporin5 Expression in Human Placental and Uterus Tissues. J. Clin. Med. 2024 , 13 , 4490. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13154490

Kemény KK, Kozinszky Z, Altorjay ÁT, Kolcsár B, Surányi A, Ducza E. Effect of Obesity on Aquaporin5 Expression in Human Placental and Uterus Tissues. Journal of Clinical Medicine . 2024; 13(15):4490. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13154490

Kemény, Kata Kira, Zoltan Kozinszky, Ábel T. Altorjay, Bálint Kolcsár, Andrea Surányi, and Eszter Ducza. 2024. "Effect of Obesity on Aquaporin5 Expression in Human Placental and Uterus Tissues" Journal of Clinical Medicine 13, no. 15: 4490. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13154490

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