by David Elder

Created on: February 07, 2010

The increasing prevalence of obesity in our society has been an alarming trend that has been recognized as a major concern. The inflationary effects on health care costs at a time when our economy is reeling, as well as the prospect of increased mortality rates caused by obesity related illness are sobering. It is projected that we may be the first generation to significantly outlive our children because of the ballooning rates of childhood obesity.

But what are the causes of this seeming epidemic, and what can we do to stem the tide? Furthermore, are our attitudes toward those who are obese discriminatory? This article attempts to address these issues in a way that may suggest alternative considerations.

 • Physiological causes of obesity

The physiology of weight gain in the human body is described in literary detail as the interaction of various hormones and proteins which signal the brain that it is time to eat. The stomach secretes a hormone known as ghrelin which causes the sensation of hunger, and fat cells secrete a hormone called leptin to negate the feelings of hunger. These hormones, in a simplified explanation, activate a protein called AgRP (Agouti-related protein) which in turn signals the arcuate nucleus in the hypothalamus region of the brain for the presence or absence of hunger. AgRP also plays an important role in the signaling receptors that send messages to the pituitary and adrenal glands which control metabolism.

Metabolism is measured in part as the number of calories burned by specific activities. We burn calories at different rates for similar activities, depending largely on the involuntary perceptions that our brain receives concerning our supply of energy. Energy is stored most efficiently in fat cells, so if the brain senses that there is a possibility of starvation, it will signal the body to store more fat, and will subsequently slow down the rate of caloric expenditure.

All this is well and good, and may mean little to those who will gloss over such explanations as scientific mumbo-jumbo. Sadly, these same individuals will fail to comprehend that obesity is most often not a choice, and that these bodily functions are involuntary. Any abnormality or failure of any of the components of these regulating processes can result in obesity.

 • Societal causes of obesity

The glaring evidence of famine, starvation, and malnutrition throughout the history of our civilization is reflected in the historical perceptions

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