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Science
Friday > Archives
> 1999
> July
> July 30, 1999:
Hour Two: Obesity
| No, we're not going to be talking about the latest all-cupcake diet, or how you can have perfect abs in two weeks. We'll be focusing on genes, not the fit of your jeans. And we don't want to hear any fat jokes.
Obesity is a major problem in the U.S.. According to the NIH, over 97 million Americans are overweight or obese - and the number is rising. Being overweight has been found to increase the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and some cancers. But how much of the problem is due to lifestyle (not exercising enough and eating too many cookies) and how much is due to other factors? | 
The gold mice carries a gene called agouti .
Mice with the agouti gene tend to be obese.
(image: Millenium pharmaceuticals) | In the 1950's, researchers identified a gene in mice that tended to make the mice obese. Since then, several other genes have been identified that have similar roles. One of those genes, called ob, was found to control production of a chemical called leptin which seems to affect mouse metabolism and appetite. Research is under way to determine if leptin may help people lose weight. However, it seems that leptin alone is not the only answer to weight loss worries. Research is continuing.
Research is also going on into the psychology of overweight - why so many Americans say that they care about their weight - but still choose the double cheeseburger over the house salad. Many studies have shown that the American diet is a major source of extra poundage - but that Americans aren't very interested in changing what they eat.
Genes? Neurotransmitters? Diet and exercise? It's time for science to weigh in, so join guest host Brooke Gladstone for a Science Friday look at obesity.
Guests:
Shawna Vogel
Author, "The Skinny on Fat" (W.H. Freeman and Company)
Boston, Massachusetts
Arthur Frank
Medical Director
Obesity Management Program
George Washington University School of Medicine
Washington, DC.
F. Xavier Pi-Sunyer
Director
Obesity Research Center
St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital
New York, New York
Books/Articles Discussed:
Related Links:
Body Mass Index Calculator (from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute)
NIDDK Health Information: Nutrition and Obesity
Obesity.com
Scientific
American: Explorations: Treating Eating Disorders: March 2, 1998
Scientific American: Science and the Citizen: LEAPING LEPTIN: December 1998
National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance Home Page
Overeater's Anonymous World Service Office
- This segment produced by:
Annette Heist
Web producer:
Charles Bergquist
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