Bioenergetics of Obesity: Is Fat Gain a Problem or a Solution?

Abstract

According to the first law of thermodynamics, fat gain is the result of a positive energy balance (i.e. energy intake > energy expenditure) [1]. When an individual experiences a chronic positive energy balance, this can lead to the accumulation of excess body fat, and ultimately obesity. Obesity rates have increased so dramatically among industrialized countries in recent decades that it has been referred to as a “pandemic” Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children’ [2]. Attenuating these high rates of obesity is a high priority in many countries not only from a population health perspective, but from a health care system’s economic perspective [3]. However, reversing this trend is a herculean task and will likely require a major change in societal norms and the values underlying those norms