[Social and political aspects of adiposis].

Abstract

There is a consensus in the scientific community on the diagnostic, health, and economic implications of overweight and obesity, but therapeutic results -- with a negative energy balance as the main concept of pathogenesis -- are limited. Latest scientific studies did change the paradigm: instead of attributing obesity to patients' lack of will power, genetic disposition and environmental factors are now recognized as the main contributors to this epidemic. In consequence, unsuccessful preventive strategies have to be replaced by setting orientated those that focus much more on environmental changes promoting more physical activity and less energy intake. This could even be done by changing relevant laws. Such changes could facilitate individual behaviour changes despite evolutionary predisposition. Acknowledging obesity as a chronic disease would be the first important step.