25/10/2017...25/10/2017 6 •not that they have no hope; they just need more help •life happens:...

8
25/10/2017 1 Obesity: Lifestyle problem or metabolic disease? Dr Georgia Rigas MBBS FRACGP RACGP Obesity Management Network Chair General Practitioner Bariatric Medical Practitioner, Sydney Acknowledgement and Disclosures Chair, RACGP Obesity Management Network RACGP Clinical Examiner Medical Advisory Committee , Medical Steering Committee iNOF16 & Consultancy work-iNova Consultancy work- Apollo (formerly Allergan) Consultancy work- Medtronics (formerly Covidien) Consultancy work- Dietitians Association of Australia GP Medical Advisory Committee & Consultancy work- Novo Nordisk Let’s begin with first principles W.H.O. defines: Health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not simply just the absence of disease. Healthy Living as the steps, actions and strategies one puts in place to achieve optimum health. A healthy lifestyle is defined as a particular way of living which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being. The ways to being healthy include healthy eating, physical activities, weight management, and stress management. World Health Organisation: October, 2011 Therefore it follows that…. A “disease” is defined as: “a morbid condition of the body, or some organ or part; an illness/ailment”(1) W.H.O. defines obesity as “abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to an individual’s health” (2) Meaning of “excess” is hard to define Calculated by BMI >30 (1) Macquarie Dictionary (2) WHO: Obesity and Overweight. In: Fact Sheet No. 311 A “disease” is defined as: “a morbid condition of the body, or some organ or part; an illness; an ailment”. -Macquarie Dictionary Obesity: A National Epidemic and Its Impact on Australia (2014) J Leung Obesity Australia Obesity risk of mortality cf those never had obesity Mortality risk ↑the longer the duration of obesity

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Page 1: 25/10/2017...25/10/2017 6 •Not that they have no hope; they just need more help •Life happens: not everything is in our own hands. •“Telling someone with obesity to eat less

25102017

1

ObesityLifestyle problem or metabolic

disease

Dr Georgia Rigas

MBBS FRACGP

RACGP Obesity Management Network Chair

General Practitioner

Bariatric Medical Practitioner Sydney

Acknowledgement and Disclosures

bull Chair RACGP Obesity Management Network

bull RACGP Clinical Examiner

bull Medical Advisory Committee Medical Steering Committee iNOF16 amp Consultancy work-iNova

bull Consultancy work- Apollo (formerly Allergan)

bull Consultancy work- Medtronics (formerly Covidien)

bull Consultancy work- Dietitians Association of Australia

bull GP Medical Advisory Committee amp Consultancy work- Novo Nordisk

Letrsquos begin with first principles

bull WHO definesbull Health as a state of complete physical mental and social well-being not

simply just the absence of disease

bull Healthy Living as the steps actions and strategies one puts in place to achieve optimum health

bull A healthy lifestyle is defined as a particular way of living which helps to keep and improve peoples health and well-being

bull The ways to being healthy include healthy eating physical activities weight management and stress management

World Health Organisation October 2011

Therefore it follows thathellip

bull A ldquodiseaserdquo is defined as bull ldquoa morbid condition of the body or some organ or part an illnessailmentrdquo(1)

bull WHO defines obesity as ldquoabnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to an individualrsquos healthrdquo (2)

bull Meaning of ldquoexcessrdquo is hard to define

bull Calculated by BMI gt30

(1) Macquarie Dictionary

(2) WHO Obesity and Overweight In Fact Sheet No 311

bullA ldquodiseaserdquo is defined as ldquoa morbid condition of the body or some organ or part an illness an ailmentrdquo -Macquarie Dictionary

Obesity A National Epidemic and Its Impact on Australia (2014) J Leung Obesity Australia

bull Obesity risk of mortality cfthose never had obesity

bull Mortality risk uarrthe longer the duration of obesity

25102017

2

bullA ldquodiseaserdquo is defined as ldquoa morbid condition of the body or some organ or part an illness an ailmentrdquo -Macquarie Dictionary

Excessive accumulation of fat cells can make some people ldquosickrdquo

bull Two types of functional impairments are associated with the increased size and mass of fat cells in obesity

1) The mechanical consequences to the fat mass such asbull osteoarthritis sleep apnoea amp the psychosocial responses to the individual

with obesity

2) the metabolic and inflammatory consequences resulting frombull the excessive secretion of products by the enlarged fat cell and

bull ectopic deposition of lipid

bull Obesity is characterised by a chronic systemic low

grade state of inflammation

bull Biomarkers of inflammation (secreted by the

adipocytes) are increased in obesity eg TNF alpha

IL 6 and CRP and predict the development of

diabetes and cardiovascular disease

bull Obesity adipocytes macrophages rarr release

cytokines rarr participate in inflammatory process

bull Hence a pathophysiological process underlies

obesity

Slide courtesy of Dr Anthony Brancatisano

Contributors to obesityinside the person

Contributors to obesityinside the person

Contributors to obesityinside the person

25102017

3

Contributors to obesityoutside the person

Contributors to obesityoutside the person

Contributors to obesityoutside the person Lifestyle choicehellipPro

Figure 4 Individual-Level Standard Deviation in Body Mass Index by Baseline Weight Classification Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort 1979ndash2008

Block JP Subramanian SV Christakis NA OrsquoMalley AJ (2013) Population Trends and Variation in Body Mass Index from 1971 to 2008 in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort PLOS ONE 8(5) e63217 httpsdoiorg101371journalpone0063217httpjournalsplosorgplosonearticleid=101371journalpone0063217

25102017

4

Analogy of smoking (is imperfect)

bull Smoking causes a wide range of diseases eg cancer CVDampresp dx

bull Every year 15000 Australians die from smoking related diseases ie 40 preventable deaths every day

bull However no one ever proposed labelling smoking a disease

bull The suggestion that obesity is not a disease is equivalent to suggesting that lung cancer is not a disease because it was brought about by individual choice to smoke cigarettes

Using BMI gt30 is a crude metric

PRO LIFESTYLE LABEL

bull An estimated 30 of those classified as having obesity are actually cardio-metabolic healthy

bull Whilst obesity is a risk factor for many medical conditions carrying extra kgs does not destine people to develop those diseases

AGAINST LIFESTLE LABEL

bull Long-term follow-up studies show that ˃ frac12 will develop obesity-related disease during their lifetime (Framingham Study)

bull Obesity is heterogeneous amp is expressed as a variety of phenotypes

bull Clinicians use medical amp clinical judgement by examining each patient as an individual and not rely on BMI solely

Lifestyle choice-Pro Obesity is not a disease of the individual

bull makes much more sense to view obesity as a societal problem or more accurately as a problem involving the interaction of the individual with what has been called the ldquoobesogenicrdquo society

bull The society-wide obesity problem is much more complex than smoking and tackling it will require a much more sophisticated and nuanced approach than what worked for smoking

bull We do need medicine to treat obesity but more often than not it is lifestyle medicine Lifestyle is the best medicine wersquove got mdash but it is cultural medicine not clinical

Metabolic Disease

bull Metabolic disease defined as any of the diseases or disorders that disrupt normal metabolism the process of converting food to energy on a cellular level

bull Metabolic diseases affect the ability of the cell to perform critical biochemical reactions that involve the processing or transport of proteins (amino acids) carbohydrates (sugars and starches) or lipids (fatty acids)

bull Metabolic diseases are typically hereditary eg Haemochromatosis

Is obesity a metabolic disease too

25102017

5

bull Hunger is controlled by very powerful hormones -gt affecting pleasure pathways-gt cravingsbull Many people with obesity have impaired function of these hormones -gt strong physiological drive

to eat morebull The brain has a reward centre which lights up and starts secreting dopamine and other feel-good

chemicals when we eat bull Junk food releases much more of these feel-good chemicals than unprocessed food -gt yields a

much more powerful ldquorewardrdquo in the brainbull For some the brain may then seek more reward by causing powerful cravings for these junk foods

-gt a vicious cycle that resembles addiction

Metabolic disease-pro

Brain doesnrsquot sense that insulin is produced = thinks wersquore starving-gtpowerful physiological drive to eat more

Metabolic disease-pro

bull Leptin is produced by fat cells -gttells our brain to stop eatingbull Leptin regulates the amount of calories we eat and expend

as well as how much fat our bodies storebull LEPTIN RESISTANCE the brain doesnrsquot see or recognize it

When the brain doesnrsquot receive the leptin signal it wrongly thinks that it is starving even if it has more than enough body fat stored -gt causes the brain to change physiology and behaviour in order to regain the fat that it thinks wersquore missing

Metabolic disease- Prothe role of gut microbiota

bull Interestingly people with obesity tend to have different gut bacteria than genetically lean people [more Firmicutes amp fewer Bacteroidetes]

bull The gut bacteria in overweight or obese individuals may be more efficient at harvesting energy from food increasing the total caloric value of the diet

bull This may cause obese people to store more fat

bull Area of ongoing research

25102017

6

bull Not that they have no hope they just need more helpbull Life happens not everything is in our own hands

bull ldquoTelling someone with obesity to eat less is like telling someone with depression to cheer uprdquo PROF ARYA SHARMA Canadian Obesity Network

Heritability of Body Weight

Twin Overfeeding studiessignificant similarity within each pair of twins in response to overfeeding wrtbull Body weightbull fatbull Estimated sc fat

Metabolic disease-ProGenes and Epigenetics

Obesity A National Epidemic and Its Impact on Australia (2014) J Leung Obesity Australia

Lifestyle changes over the last 50+ years

25102017

7

Metabolic disease-ProCould it be a First World problem

The Fattening of America Health Economist Eric Finkelstein argues that obesity is a lifestyle choice [2008]

bull ldquoWith labor-saving devices and low-cost easily accessible foods people are going to eat more and exercise less

bull When you have a first-rate medical system that can cure the diseases that obesity promotes you no longer need to worry so much about being obese

COUNTER-ARGUEMENT

bull There would appear to be more at play here than sheer wealth Japan boasts over 3000 McDonalds restaurants 2nd in No only to the US amp is home to many other fast food outlets

bull Yet Japan has one of the lowest obesity rates in the world

Restrictiveenvironment

Resistant Prone

ldquoObesogenicrdquoenvironment

Obesity Predisposition

BM

I

Ravussin E Bouchard C Eur J Pharmacol 2000410131-145

Genetics vs Environment

Metabolic disease-ProFood deserts amp environmental disruptorsbull In some areas buying healthy food is simply not an option

bull Not being able to buy healthy and fresh foods limits the diet substantially and increases the risk of problems like obesity

bull Other environmental factors may also play a role in obesity including artificial light from electric light bulbs computers phones and televisions

bull Even though the link between screen use and obesity has been well established most studies chalk this up to lack of exercise

bull However night time exposure to light and changes to the inner circadian rhythm may also contribute to obesity

Metabolic disease-Pro

bull Obesity can be a genetic disorder such as sickle-cell anaemia and Tay-Sachs which are classified as diseases

bull Researchers have ID 79 genetic syndromes associated with obesity

bull Studies have shown that obesity can be inherited like height

bull Genetic disposition plays a large role in determining if a person will be obese

bull The FTO gene reportedly lowers activity in the part of the brain that controls impulses and the response to the taste and texture of food so people with the gene are more likely to eat more fatty foods and eat more impulsively as they age

bull NEJM study 1990 on body mass in twins not raised in the same home concluded genetic influences on body-mass index are substantial

bull In addition to genetic predisposition almost 10 of morbidly obese people have defects in the genes that regulate food intake metabolism and weight

Metabolic Disease-ConObesity is a side effect not a disease

bull Obesity can be caused by hypothyroidism Cushings syndrome Prader-Willi syndrome polycystic ovary syndrome arthritis increased insulin levels (from carbohydrate-heavy diets or diabetes treatments) and depression

bull Certain drugs like antidepressants anti-seizure medications diabetes medications anti-psychotic medications antihistamines anticonvulsants steroids beta blockers and contraceptives can contribute towards obesity

bull Obesity is associated with lack of sleep (or sleep debt) ingesting endocrine disrupters (such as BPA DDT and phthalates) consuming high-fructose corn syrup a lack of temperature variation (due to air conditioners and heaters) etc

Metabolic disease-ConIs Obesity an addiction to food

bull When you become addicted to something you lose your freedom of choice Your brain chemistry starts making the decisions for you

bull In fact up to 20 of people may suffer from food addiction and this number goes up to about 25 in overweight and obese people

bull Further research is required

Nutrients 2014 Oct 216(10)4552-90 doi 103390nu6104552The prevalence of food addiction as assessed by the Yale Food Addiction Scale a systematic reviewPursey KM1 Stanwell P2 Gearhardt AN3 Collins CE4 Burrows TL5

25102017

8

Obesity is no different from these other chronic diseases where short-term treatments do not change the underlying biology that drives and maintains them

Obesity is multi-factorial

Sumithran P et al N Engl J Med 2011 3651597-604

Body weight is vigorously defended

hormonally

bull Changes in gut hormones after weight loss 1 increased hunger amp2 greater desire to eatbull These persist even when the lost weight is regained

Slide courtesy of Dr Anthony Brancatisano

Page 2: 25/10/2017...25/10/2017 6 •Not that they have no hope; they just need more help •Life happens: not everything is in our own hands. •“Telling someone with obesity to eat less

25102017

2

bullA ldquodiseaserdquo is defined as ldquoa morbid condition of the body or some organ or part an illness an ailmentrdquo -Macquarie Dictionary

Excessive accumulation of fat cells can make some people ldquosickrdquo

bull Two types of functional impairments are associated with the increased size and mass of fat cells in obesity

1) The mechanical consequences to the fat mass such asbull osteoarthritis sleep apnoea amp the psychosocial responses to the individual

with obesity

2) the metabolic and inflammatory consequences resulting frombull the excessive secretion of products by the enlarged fat cell and

bull ectopic deposition of lipid

bull Obesity is characterised by a chronic systemic low

grade state of inflammation

bull Biomarkers of inflammation (secreted by the

adipocytes) are increased in obesity eg TNF alpha

IL 6 and CRP and predict the development of

diabetes and cardiovascular disease

bull Obesity adipocytes macrophages rarr release

cytokines rarr participate in inflammatory process

bull Hence a pathophysiological process underlies

obesity

Slide courtesy of Dr Anthony Brancatisano

Contributors to obesityinside the person

Contributors to obesityinside the person

Contributors to obesityinside the person

25102017

3

Contributors to obesityoutside the person

Contributors to obesityoutside the person

Contributors to obesityoutside the person Lifestyle choicehellipPro

Figure 4 Individual-Level Standard Deviation in Body Mass Index by Baseline Weight Classification Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort 1979ndash2008

Block JP Subramanian SV Christakis NA OrsquoMalley AJ (2013) Population Trends and Variation in Body Mass Index from 1971 to 2008 in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort PLOS ONE 8(5) e63217 httpsdoiorg101371journalpone0063217httpjournalsplosorgplosonearticleid=101371journalpone0063217

25102017

4

Analogy of smoking (is imperfect)

bull Smoking causes a wide range of diseases eg cancer CVDampresp dx

bull Every year 15000 Australians die from smoking related diseases ie 40 preventable deaths every day

bull However no one ever proposed labelling smoking a disease

bull The suggestion that obesity is not a disease is equivalent to suggesting that lung cancer is not a disease because it was brought about by individual choice to smoke cigarettes

Using BMI gt30 is a crude metric

PRO LIFESTYLE LABEL

bull An estimated 30 of those classified as having obesity are actually cardio-metabolic healthy

bull Whilst obesity is a risk factor for many medical conditions carrying extra kgs does not destine people to develop those diseases

AGAINST LIFESTLE LABEL

bull Long-term follow-up studies show that ˃ frac12 will develop obesity-related disease during their lifetime (Framingham Study)

bull Obesity is heterogeneous amp is expressed as a variety of phenotypes

bull Clinicians use medical amp clinical judgement by examining each patient as an individual and not rely on BMI solely

Lifestyle choice-Pro Obesity is not a disease of the individual

bull makes much more sense to view obesity as a societal problem or more accurately as a problem involving the interaction of the individual with what has been called the ldquoobesogenicrdquo society

bull The society-wide obesity problem is much more complex than smoking and tackling it will require a much more sophisticated and nuanced approach than what worked for smoking

bull We do need medicine to treat obesity but more often than not it is lifestyle medicine Lifestyle is the best medicine wersquove got mdash but it is cultural medicine not clinical

Metabolic Disease

bull Metabolic disease defined as any of the diseases or disorders that disrupt normal metabolism the process of converting food to energy on a cellular level

bull Metabolic diseases affect the ability of the cell to perform critical biochemical reactions that involve the processing or transport of proteins (amino acids) carbohydrates (sugars and starches) or lipids (fatty acids)

bull Metabolic diseases are typically hereditary eg Haemochromatosis

Is obesity a metabolic disease too

25102017

5

bull Hunger is controlled by very powerful hormones -gt affecting pleasure pathways-gt cravingsbull Many people with obesity have impaired function of these hormones -gt strong physiological drive

to eat morebull The brain has a reward centre which lights up and starts secreting dopamine and other feel-good

chemicals when we eat bull Junk food releases much more of these feel-good chemicals than unprocessed food -gt yields a

much more powerful ldquorewardrdquo in the brainbull For some the brain may then seek more reward by causing powerful cravings for these junk foods

-gt a vicious cycle that resembles addiction

Metabolic disease-pro

Brain doesnrsquot sense that insulin is produced = thinks wersquore starving-gtpowerful physiological drive to eat more

Metabolic disease-pro

bull Leptin is produced by fat cells -gttells our brain to stop eatingbull Leptin regulates the amount of calories we eat and expend

as well as how much fat our bodies storebull LEPTIN RESISTANCE the brain doesnrsquot see or recognize it

When the brain doesnrsquot receive the leptin signal it wrongly thinks that it is starving even if it has more than enough body fat stored -gt causes the brain to change physiology and behaviour in order to regain the fat that it thinks wersquore missing

Metabolic disease- Prothe role of gut microbiota

bull Interestingly people with obesity tend to have different gut bacteria than genetically lean people [more Firmicutes amp fewer Bacteroidetes]

bull The gut bacteria in overweight or obese individuals may be more efficient at harvesting energy from food increasing the total caloric value of the diet

bull This may cause obese people to store more fat

bull Area of ongoing research

25102017

6

bull Not that they have no hope they just need more helpbull Life happens not everything is in our own hands

bull ldquoTelling someone with obesity to eat less is like telling someone with depression to cheer uprdquo PROF ARYA SHARMA Canadian Obesity Network

Heritability of Body Weight

Twin Overfeeding studiessignificant similarity within each pair of twins in response to overfeeding wrtbull Body weightbull fatbull Estimated sc fat

Metabolic disease-ProGenes and Epigenetics

Obesity A National Epidemic and Its Impact on Australia (2014) J Leung Obesity Australia

Lifestyle changes over the last 50+ years

25102017

7

Metabolic disease-ProCould it be a First World problem

The Fattening of America Health Economist Eric Finkelstein argues that obesity is a lifestyle choice [2008]

bull ldquoWith labor-saving devices and low-cost easily accessible foods people are going to eat more and exercise less

bull When you have a first-rate medical system that can cure the diseases that obesity promotes you no longer need to worry so much about being obese

COUNTER-ARGUEMENT

bull There would appear to be more at play here than sheer wealth Japan boasts over 3000 McDonalds restaurants 2nd in No only to the US amp is home to many other fast food outlets

bull Yet Japan has one of the lowest obesity rates in the world

Restrictiveenvironment

Resistant Prone

ldquoObesogenicrdquoenvironment

Obesity Predisposition

BM

I

Ravussin E Bouchard C Eur J Pharmacol 2000410131-145

Genetics vs Environment

Metabolic disease-ProFood deserts amp environmental disruptorsbull In some areas buying healthy food is simply not an option

bull Not being able to buy healthy and fresh foods limits the diet substantially and increases the risk of problems like obesity

bull Other environmental factors may also play a role in obesity including artificial light from electric light bulbs computers phones and televisions

bull Even though the link between screen use and obesity has been well established most studies chalk this up to lack of exercise

bull However night time exposure to light and changes to the inner circadian rhythm may also contribute to obesity

Metabolic disease-Pro

bull Obesity can be a genetic disorder such as sickle-cell anaemia and Tay-Sachs which are classified as diseases

bull Researchers have ID 79 genetic syndromes associated with obesity

bull Studies have shown that obesity can be inherited like height

bull Genetic disposition plays a large role in determining if a person will be obese

bull The FTO gene reportedly lowers activity in the part of the brain that controls impulses and the response to the taste and texture of food so people with the gene are more likely to eat more fatty foods and eat more impulsively as they age

bull NEJM study 1990 on body mass in twins not raised in the same home concluded genetic influences on body-mass index are substantial

bull In addition to genetic predisposition almost 10 of morbidly obese people have defects in the genes that regulate food intake metabolism and weight

Metabolic Disease-ConObesity is a side effect not a disease

bull Obesity can be caused by hypothyroidism Cushings syndrome Prader-Willi syndrome polycystic ovary syndrome arthritis increased insulin levels (from carbohydrate-heavy diets or diabetes treatments) and depression

bull Certain drugs like antidepressants anti-seizure medications diabetes medications anti-psychotic medications antihistamines anticonvulsants steroids beta blockers and contraceptives can contribute towards obesity

bull Obesity is associated with lack of sleep (or sleep debt) ingesting endocrine disrupters (such as BPA DDT and phthalates) consuming high-fructose corn syrup a lack of temperature variation (due to air conditioners and heaters) etc

Metabolic disease-ConIs Obesity an addiction to food

bull When you become addicted to something you lose your freedom of choice Your brain chemistry starts making the decisions for you

bull In fact up to 20 of people may suffer from food addiction and this number goes up to about 25 in overweight and obese people

bull Further research is required

Nutrients 2014 Oct 216(10)4552-90 doi 103390nu6104552The prevalence of food addiction as assessed by the Yale Food Addiction Scale a systematic reviewPursey KM1 Stanwell P2 Gearhardt AN3 Collins CE4 Burrows TL5

25102017

8

Obesity is no different from these other chronic diseases where short-term treatments do not change the underlying biology that drives and maintains them

Obesity is multi-factorial

Sumithran P et al N Engl J Med 2011 3651597-604

Body weight is vigorously defended

hormonally

bull Changes in gut hormones after weight loss 1 increased hunger amp2 greater desire to eatbull These persist even when the lost weight is regained

Slide courtesy of Dr Anthony Brancatisano

Page 3: 25/10/2017...25/10/2017 6 •Not that they have no hope; they just need more help •Life happens: not everything is in our own hands. •“Telling someone with obesity to eat less

25102017

3

Contributors to obesityoutside the person

Contributors to obesityoutside the person

Contributors to obesityoutside the person Lifestyle choicehellipPro

Figure 4 Individual-Level Standard Deviation in Body Mass Index by Baseline Weight Classification Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort 1979ndash2008

Block JP Subramanian SV Christakis NA OrsquoMalley AJ (2013) Population Trends and Variation in Body Mass Index from 1971 to 2008 in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort PLOS ONE 8(5) e63217 httpsdoiorg101371journalpone0063217httpjournalsplosorgplosonearticleid=101371journalpone0063217

25102017

4

Analogy of smoking (is imperfect)

bull Smoking causes a wide range of diseases eg cancer CVDampresp dx

bull Every year 15000 Australians die from smoking related diseases ie 40 preventable deaths every day

bull However no one ever proposed labelling smoking a disease

bull The suggestion that obesity is not a disease is equivalent to suggesting that lung cancer is not a disease because it was brought about by individual choice to smoke cigarettes

Using BMI gt30 is a crude metric

PRO LIFESTYLE LABEL

bull An estimated 30 of those classified as having obesity are actually cardio-metabolic healthy

bull Whilst obesity is a risk factor for many medical conditions carrying extra kgs does not destine people to develop those diseases

AGAINST LIFESTLE LABEL

bull Long-term follow-up studies show that ˃ frac12 will develop obesity-related disease during their lifetime (Framingham Study)

bull Obesity is heterogeneous amp is expressed as a variety of phenotypes

bull Clinicians use medical amp clinical judgement by examining each patient as an individual and not rely on BMI solely

Lifestyle choice-Pro Obesity is not a disease of the individual

bull makes much more sense to view obesity as a societal problem or more accurately as a problem involving the interaction of the individual with what has been called the ldquoobesogenicrdquo society

bull The society-wide obesity problem is much more complex than smoking and tackling it will require a much more sophisticated and nuanced approach than what worked for smoking

bull We do need medicine to treat obesity but more often than not it is lifestyle medicine Lifestyle is the best medicine wersquove got mdash but it is cultural medicine not clinical

Metabolic Disease

bull Metabolic disease defined as any of the diseases or disorders that disrupt normal metabolism the process of converting food to energy on a cellular level

bull Metabolic diseases affect the ability of the cell to perform critical biochemical reactions that involve the processing or transport of proteins (amino acids) carbohydrates (sugars and starches) or lipids (fatty acids)

bull Metabolic diseases are typically hereditary eg Haemochromatosis

Is obesity a metabolic disease too

25102017

5

bull Hunger is controlled by very powerful hormones -gt affecting pleasure pathways-gt cravingsbull Many people with obesity have impaired function of these hormones -gt strong physiological drive

to eat morebull The brain has a reward centre which lights up and starts secreting dopamine and other feel-good

chemicals when we eat bull Junk food releases much more of these feel-good chemicals than unprocessed food -gt yields a

much more powerful ldquorewardrdquo in the brainbull For some the brain may then seek more reward by causing powerful cravings for these junk foods

-gt a vicious cycle that resembles addiction

Metabolic disease-pro

Brain doesnrsquot sense that insulin is produced = thinks wersquore starving-gtpowerful physiological drive to eat more

Metabolic disease-pro

bull Leptin is produced by fat cells -gttells our brain to stop eatingbull Leptin regulates the amount of calories we eat and expend

as well as how much fat our bodies storebull LEPTIN RESISTANCE the brain doesnrsquot see or recognize it

When the brain doesnrsquot receive the leptin signal it wrongly thinks that it is starving even if it has more than enough body fat stored -gt causes the brain to change physiology and behaviour in order to regain the fat that it thinks wersquore missing

Metabolic disease- Prothe role of gut microbiota

bull Interestingly people with obesity tend to have different gut bacteria than genetically lean people [more Firmicutes amp fewer Bacteroidetes]

bull The gut bacteria in overweight or obese individuals may be more efficient at harvesting energy from food increasing the total caloric value of the diet

bull This may cause obese people to store more fat

bull Area of ongoing research

25102017

6

bull Not that they have no hope they just need more helpbull Life happens not everything is in our own hands

bull ldquoTelling someone with obesity to eat less is like telling someone with depression to cheer uprdquo PROF ARYA SHARMA Canadian Obesity Network

Heritability of Body Weight

Twin Overfeeding studiessignificant similarity within each pair of twins in response to overfeeding wrtbull Body weightbull fatbull Estimated sc fat

Metabolic disease-ProGenes and Epigenetics

Obesity A National Epidemic and Its Impact on Australia (2014) J Leung Obesity Australia

Lifestyle changes over the last 50+ years

25102017

7

Metabolic disease-ProCould it be a First World problem

The Fattening of America Health Economist Eric Finkelstein argues that obesity is a lifestyle choice [2008]

bull ldquoWith labor-saving devices and low-cost easily accessible foods people are going to eat more and exercise less

bull When you have a first-rate medical system that can cure the diseases that obesity promotes you no longer need to worry so much about being obese

COUNTER-ARGUEMENT

bull There would appear to be more at play here than sheer wealth Japan boasts over 3000 McDonalds restaurants 2nd in No only to the US amp is home to many other fast food outlets

bull Yet Japan has one of the lowest obesity rates in the world

Restrictiveenvironment

Resistant Prone

ldquoObesogenicrdquoenvironment

Obesity Predisposition

BM

I

Ravussin E Bouchard C Eur J Pharmacol 2000410131-145

Genetics vs Environment

Metabolic disease-ProFood deserts amp environmental disruptorsbull In some areas buying healthy food is simply not an option

bull Not being able to buy healthy and fresh foods limits the diet substantially and increases the risk of problems like obesity

bull Other environmental factors may also play a role in obesity including artificial light from electric light bulbs computers phones and televisions

bull Even though the link between screen use and obesity has been well established most studies chalk this up to lack of exercise

bull However night time exposure to light and changes to the inner circadian rhythm may also contribute to obesity

Metabolic disease-Pro

bull Obesity can be a genetic disorder such as sickle-cell anaemia and Tay-Sachs which are classified as diseases

bull Researchers have ID 79 genetic syndromes associated with obesity

bull Studies have shown that obesity can be inherited like height

bull Genetic disposition plays a large role in determining if a person will be obese

bull The FTO gene reportedly lowers activity in the part of the brain that controls impulses and the response to the taste and texture of food so people with the gene are more likely to eat more fatty foods and eat more impulsively as they age

bull NEJM study 1990 on body mass in twins not raised in the same home concluded genetic influences on body-mass index are substantial

bull In addition to genetic predisposition almost 10 of morbidly obese people have defects in the genes that regulate food intake metabolism and weight

Metabolic Disease-ConObesity is a side effect not a disease

bull Obesity can be caused by hypothyroidism Cushings syndrome Prader-Willi syndrome polycystic ovary syndrome arthritis increased insulin levels (from carbohydrate-heavy diets or diabetes treatments) and depression

bull Certain drugs like antidepressants anti-seizure medications diabetes medications anti-psychotic medications antihistamines anticonvulsants steroids beta blockers and contraceptives can contribute towards obesity

bull Obesity is associated with lack of sleep (or sleep debt) ingesting endocrine disrupters (such as BPA DDT and phthalates) consuming high-fructose corn syrup a lack of temperature variation (due to air conditioners and heaters) etc

Metabolic disease-ConIs Obesity an addiction to food

bull When you become addicted to something you lose your freedom of choice Your brain chemistry starts making the decisions for you

bull In fact up to 20 of people may suffer from food addiction and this number goes up to about 25 in overweight and obese people

bull Further research is required

Nutrients 2014 Oct 216(10)4552-90 doi 103390nu6104552The prevalence of food addiction as assessed by the Yale Food Addiction Scale a systematic reviewPursey KM1 Stanwell P2 Gearhardt AN3 Collins CE4 Burrows TL5

25102017

8

Obesity is no different from these other chronic diseases where short-term treatments do not change the underlying biology that drives and maintains them

Obesity is multi-factorial

Sumithran P et al N Engl J Med 2011 3651597-604

Body weight is vigorously defended

hormonally

bull Changes in gut hormones after weight loss 1 increased hunger amp2 greater desire to eatbull These persist even when the lost weight is regained

Slide courtesy of Dr Anthony Brancatisano

Page 4: 25/10/2017...25/10/2017 6 •Not that they have no hope; they just need more help •Life happens: not everything is in our own hands. •“Telling someone with obesity to eat less

25102017

4

Analogy of smoking (is imperfect)

bull Smoking causes a wide range of diseases eg cancer CVDampresp dx

bull Every year 15000 Australians die from smoking related diseases ie 40 preventable deaths every day

bull However no one ever proposed labelling smoking a disease

bull The suggestion that obesity is not a disease is equivalent to suggesting that lung cancer is not a disease because it was brought about by individual choice to smoke cigarettes

Using BMI gt30 is a crude metric

PRO LIFESTYLE LABEL

bull An estimated 30 of those classified as having obesity are actually cardio-metabolic healthy

bull Whilst obesity is a risk factor for many medical conditions carrying extra kgs does not destine people to develop those diseases

AGAINST LIFESTLE LABEL

bull Long-term follow-up studies show that ˃ frac12 will develop obesity-related disease during their lifetime (Framingham Study)

bull Obesity is heterogeneous amp is expressed as a variety of phenotypes

bull Clinicians use medical amp clinical judgement by examining each patient as an individual and not rely on BMI solely

Lifestyle choice-Pro Obesity is not a disease of the individual

bull makes much more sense to view obesity as a societal problem or more accurately as a problem involving the interaction of the individual with what has been called the ldquoobesogenicrdquo society

bull The society-wide obesity problem is much more complex than smoking and tackling it will require a much more sophisticated and nuanced approach than what worked for smoking

bull We do need medicine to treat obesity but more often than not it is lifestyle medicine Lifestyle is the best medicine wersquove got mdash but it is cultural medicine not clinical

Metabolic Disease

bull Metabolic disease defined as any of the diseases or disorders that disrupt normal metabolism the process of converting food to energy on a cellular level

bull Metabolic diseases affect the ability of the cell to perform critical biochemical reactions that involve the processing or transport of proteins (amino acids) carbohydrates (sugars and starches) or lipids (fatty acids)

bull Metabolic diseases are typically hereditary eg Haemochromatosis

Is obesity a metabolic disease too

25102017

5

bull Hunger is controlled by very powerful hormones -gt affecting pleasure pathways-gt cravingsbull Many people with obesity have impaired function of these hormones -gt strong physiological drive

to eat morebull The brain has a reward centre which lights up and starts secreting dopamine and other feel-good

chemicals when we eat bull Junk food releases much more of these feel-good chemicals than unprocessed food -gt yields a

much more powerful ldquorewardrdquo in the brainbull For some the brain may then seek more reward by causing powerful cravings for these junk foods

-gt a vicious cycle that resembles addiction

Metabolic disease-pro

Brain doesnrsquot sense that insulin is produced = thinks wersquore starving-gtpowerful physiological drive to eat more

Metabolic disease-pro

bull Leptin is produced by fat cells -gttells our brain to stop eatingbull Leptin regulates the amount of calories we eat and expend

as well as how much fat our bodies storebull LEPTIN RESISTANCE the brain doesnrsquot see or recognize it

When the brain doesnrsquot receive the leptin signal it wrongly thinks that it is starving even if it has more than enough body fat stored -gt causes the brain to change physiology and behaviour in order to regain the fat that it thinks wersquore missing

Metabolic disease- Prothe role of gut microbiota

bull Interestingly people with obesity tend to have different gut bacteria than genetically lean people [more Firmicutes amp fewer Bacteroidetes]

bull The gut bacteria in overweight or obese individuals may be more efficient at harvesting energy from food increasing the total caloric value of the diet

bull This may cause obese people to store more fat

bull Area of ongoing research

25102017

6

bull Not that they have no hope they just need more helpbull Life happens not everything is in our own hands

bull ldquoTelling someone with obesity to eat less is like telling someone with depression to cheer uprdquo PROF ARYA SHARMA Canadian Obesity Network

Heritability of Body Weight

Twin Overfeeding studiessignificant similarity within each pair of twins in response to overfeeding wrtbull Body weightbull fatbull Estimated sc fat

Metabolic disease-ProGenes and Epigenetics

Obesity A National Epidemic and Its Impact on Australia (2014) J Leung Obesity Australia

Lifestyle changes over the last 50+ years

25102017

7

Metabolic disease-ProCould it be a First World problem

The Fattening of America Health Economist Eric Finkelstein argues that obesity is a lifestyle choice [2008]

bull ldquoWith labor-saving devices and low-cost easily accessible foods people are going to eat more and exercise less

bull When you have a first-rate medical system that can cure the diseases that obesity promotes you no longer need to worry so much about being obese

COUNTER-ARGUEMENT

bull There would appear to be more at play here than sheer wealth Japan boasts over 3000 McDonalds restaurants 2nd in No only to the US amp is home to many other fast food outlets

bull Yet Japan has one of the lowest obesity rates in the world

Restrictiveenvironment

Resistant Prone

ldquoObesogenicrdquoenvironment

Obesity Predisposition

BM

I

Ravussin E Bouchard C Eur J Pharmacol 2000410131-145

Genetics vs Environment

Metabolic disease-ProFood deserts amp environmental disruptorsbull In some areas buying healthy food is simply not an option

bull Not being able to buy healthy and fresh foods limits the diet substantially and increases the risk of problems like obesity

bull Other environmental factors may also play a role in obesity including artificial light from electric light bulbs computers phones and televisions

bull Even though the link between screen use and obesity has been well established most studies chalk this up to lack of exercise

bull However night time exposure to light and changes to the inner circadian rhythm may also contribute to obesity

Metabolic disease-Pro

bull Obesity can be a genetic disorder such as sickle-cell anaemia and Tay-Sachs which are classified as diseases

bull Researchers have ID 79 genetic syndromes associated with obesity

bull Studies have shown that obesity can be inherited like height

bull Genetic disposition plays a large role in determining if a person will be obese

bull The FTO gene reportedly lowers activity in the part of the brain that controls impulses and the response to the taste and texture of food so people with the gene are more likely to eat more fatty foods and eat more impulsively as they age

bull NEJM study 1990 on body mass in twins not raised in the same home concluded genetic influences on body-mass index are substantial

bull In addition to genetic predisposition almost 10 of morbidly obese people have defects in the genes that regulate food intake metabolism and weight

Metabolic Disease-ConObesity is a side effect not a disease

bull Obesity can be caused by hypothyroidism Cushings syndrome Prader-Willi syndrome polycystic ovary syndrome arthritis increased insulin levels (from carbohydrate-heavy diets or diabetes treatments) and depression

bull Certain drugs like antidepressants anti-seizure medications diabetes medications anti-psychotic medications antihistamines anticonvulsants steroids beta blockers and contraceptives can contribute towards obesity

bull Obesity is associated with lack of sleep (or sleep debt) ingesting endocrine disrupters (such as BPA DDT and phthalates) consuming high-fructose corn syrup a lack of temperature variation (due to air conditioners and heaters) etc

Metabolic disease-ConIs Obesity an addiction to food

bull When you become addicted to something you lose your freedom of choice Your brain chemistry starts making the decisions for you

bull In fact up to 20 of people may suffer from food addiction and this number goes up to about 25 in overweight and obese people

bull Further research is required

Nutrients 2014 Oct 216(10)4552-90 doi 103390nu6104552The prevalence of food addiction as assessed by the Yale Food Addiction Scale a systematic reviewPursey KM1 Stanwell P2 Gearhardt AN3 Collins CE4 Burrows TL5

25102017

8

Obesity is no different from these other chronic diseases where short-term treatments do not change the underlying biology that drives and maintains them

Obesity is multi-factorial

Sumithran P et al N Engl J Med 2011 3651597-604

Body weight is vigorously defended

hormonally

bull Changes in gut hormones after weight loss 1 increased hunger amp2 greater desire to eatbull These persist even when the lost weight is regained

Slide courtesy of Dr Anthony Brancatisano

Page 5: 25/10/2017...25/10/2017 6 •Not that they have no hope; they just need more help •Life happens: not everything is in our own hands. •“Telling someone with obesity to eat less

25102017

5

bull Hunger is controlled by very powerful hormones -gt affecting pleasure pathways-gt cravingsbull Many people with obesity have impaired function of these hormones -gt strong physiological drive

to eat morebull The brain has a reward centre which lights up and starts secreting dopamine and other feel-good

chemicals when we eat bull Junk food releases much more of these feel-good chemicals than unprocessed food -gt yields a

much more powerful ldquorewardrdquo in the brainbull For some the brain may then seek more reward by causing powerful cravings for these junk foods

-gt a vicious cycle that resembles addiction

Metabolic disease-pro

Brain doesnrsquot sense that insulin is produced = thinks wersquore starving-gtpowerful physiological drive to eat more

Metabolic disease-pro

bull Leptin is produced by fat cells -gttells our brain to stop eatingbull Leptin regulates the amount of calories we eat and expend

as well as how much fat our bodies storebull LEPTIN RESISTANCE the brain doesnrsquot see or recognize it

When the brain doesnrsquot receive the leptin signal it wrongly thinks that it is starving even if it has more than enough body fat stored -gt causes the brain to change physiology and behaviour in order to regain the fat that it thinks wersquore missing

Metabolic disease- Prothe role of gut microbiota

bull Interestingly people with obesity tend to have different gut bacteria than genetically lean people [more Firmicutes amp fewer Bacteroidetes]

bull The gut bacteria in overweight or obese individuals may be more efficient at harvesting energy from food increasing the total caloric value of the diet

bull This may cause obese people to store more fat

bull Area of ongoing research

25102017

6

bull Not that they have no hope they just need more helpbull Life happens not everything is in our own hands

bull ldquoTelling someone with obesity to eat less is like telling someone with depression to cheer uprdquo PROF ARYA SHARMA Canadian Obesity Network

Heritability of Body Weight

Twin Overfeeding studiessignificant similarity within each pair of twins in response to overfeeding wrtbull Body weightbull fatbull Estimated sc fat

Metabolic disease-ProGenes and Epigenetics

Obesity A National Epidemic and Its Impact on Australia (2014) J Leung Obesity Australia

Lifestyle changes over the last 50+ years

25102017

7

Metabolic disease-ProCould it be a First World problem

The Fattening of America Health Economist Eric Finkelstein argues that obesity is a lifestyle choice [2008]

bull ldquoWith labor-saving devices and low-cost easily accessible foods people are going to eat more and exercise less

bull When you have a first-rate medical system that can cure the diseases that obesity promotes you no longer need to worry so much about being obese

COUNTER-ARGUEMENT

bull There would appear to be more at play here than sheer wealth Japan boasts over 3000 McDonalds restaurants 2nd in No only to the US amp is home to many other fast food outlets

bull Yet Japan has one of the lowest obesity rates in the world

Restrictiveenvironment

Resistant Prone

ldquoObesogenicrdquoenvironment

Obesity Predisposition

BM

I

Ravussin E Bouchard C Eur J Pharmacol 2000410131-145

Genetics vs Environment

Metabolic disease-ProFood deserts amp environmental disruptorsbull In some areas buying healthy food is simply not an option

bull Not being able to buy healthy and fresh foods limits the diet substantially and increases the risk of problems like obesity

bull Other environmental factors may also play a role in obesity including artificial light from electric light bulbs computers phones and televisions

bull Even though the link between screen use and obesity has been well established most studies chalk this up to lack of exercise

bull However night time exposure to light and changes to the inner circadian rhythm may also contribute to obesity

Metabolic disease-Pro

bull Obesity can be a genetic disorder such as sickle-cell anaemia and Tay-Sachs which are classified as diseases

bull Researchers have ID 79 genetic syndromes associated with obesity

bull Studies have shown that obesity can be inherited like height

bull Genetic disposition plays a large role in determining if a person will be obese

bull The FTO gene reportedly lowers activity in the part of the brain that controls impulses and the response to the taste and texture of food so people with the gene are more likely to eat more fatty foods and eat more impulsively as they age

bull NEJM study 1990 on body mass in twins not raised in the same home concluded genetic influences on body-mass index are substantial

bull In addition to genetic predisposition almost 10 of morbidly obese people have defects in the genes that regulate food intake metabolism and weight

Metabolic Disease-ConObesity is a side effect not a disease

bull Obesity can be caused by hypothyroidism Cushings syndrome Prader-Willi syndrome polycystic ovary syndrome arthritis increased insulin levels (from carbohydrate-heavy diets or diabetes treatments) and depression

bull Certain drugs like antidepressants anti-seizure medications diabetes medications anti-psychotic medications antihistamines anticonvulsants steroids beta blockers and contraceptives can contribute towards obesity

bull Obesity is associated with lack of sleep (or sleep debt) ingesting endocrine disrupters (such as BPA DDT and phthalates) consuming high-fructose corn syrup a lack of temperature variation (due to air conditioners and heaters) etc

Metabolic disease-ConIs Obesity an addiction to food

bull When you become addicted to something you lose your freedom of choice Your brain chemistry starts making the decisions for you

bull In fact up to 20 of people may suffer from food addiction and this number goes up to about 25 in overweight and obese people

bull Further research is required

Nutrients 2014 Oct 216(10)4552-90 doi 103390nu6104552The prevalence of food addiction as assessed by the Yale Food Addiction Scale a systematic reviewPursey KM1 Stanwell P2 Gearhardt AN3 Collins CE4 Burrows TL5

25102017

8

Obesity is no different from these other chronic diseases where short-term treatments do not change the underlying biology that drives and maintains them

Obesity is multi-factorial

Sumithran P et al N Engl J Med 2011 3651597-604

Body weight is vigorously defended

hormonally

bull Changes in gut hormones after weight loss 1 increased hunger amp2 greater desire to eatbull These persist even when the lost weight is regained

Slide courtesy of Dr Anthony Brancatisano

Page 6: 25/10/2017...25/10/2017 6 •Not that they have no hope; they just need more help •Life happens: not everything is in our own hands. •“Telling someone with obesity to eat less

25102017

6

bull Not that they have no hope they just need more helpbull Life happens not everything is in our own hands

bull ldquoTelling someone with obesity to eat less is like telling someone with depression to cheer uprdquo PROF ARYA SHARMA Canadian Obesity Network

Heritability of Body Weight

Twin Overfeeding studiessignificant similarity within each pair of twins in response to overfeeding wrtbull Body weightbull fatbull Estimated sc fat

Metabolic disease-ProGenes and Epigenetics

Obesity A National Epidemic and Its Impact on Australia (2014) J Leung Obesity Australia

Lifestyle changes over the last 50+ years

25102017

7

Metabolic disease-ProCould it be a First World problem

The Fattening of America Health Economist Eric Finkelstein argues that obesity is a lifestyle choice [2008]

bull ldquoWith labor-saving devices and low-cost easily accessible foods people are going to eat more and exercise less

bull When you have a first-rate medical system that can cure the diseases that obesity promotes you no longer need to worry so much about being obese

COUNTER-ARGUEMENT

bull There would appear to be more at play here than sheer wealth Japan boasts over 3000 McDonalds restaurants 2nd in No only to the US amp is home to many other fast food outlets

bull Yet Japan has one of the lowest obesity rates in the world

Restrictiveenvironment

Resistant Prone

ldquoObesogenicrdquoenvironment

Obesity Predisposition

BM

I

Ravussin E Bouchard C Eur J Pharmacol 2000410131-145

Genetics vs Environment

Metabolic disease-ProFood deserts amp environmental disruptorsbull In some areas buying healthy food is simply not an option

bull Not being able to buy healthy and fresh foods limits the diet substantially and increases the risk of problems like obesity

bull Other environmental factors may also play a role in obesity including artificial light from electric light bulbs computers phones and televisions

bull Even though the link between screen use and obesity has been well established most studies chalk this up to lack of exercise

bull However night time exposure to light and changes to the inner circadian rhythm may also contribute to obesity

Metabolic disease-Pro

bull Obesity can be a genetic disorder such as sickle-cell anaemia and Tay-Sachs which are classified as diseases

bull Researchers have ID 79 genetic syndromes associated with obesity

bull Studies have shown that obesity can be inherited like height

bull Genetic disposition plays a large role in determining if a person will be obese

bull The FTO gene reportedly lowers activity in the part of the brain that controls impulses and the response to the taste and texture of food so people with the gene are more likely to eat more fatty foods and eat more impulsively as they age

bull NEJM study 1990 on body mass in twins not raised in the same home concluded genetic influences on body-mass index are substantial

bull In addition to genetic predisposition almost 10 of morbidly obese people have defects in the genes that regulate food intake metabolism and weight

Metabolic Disease-ConObesity is a side effect not a disease

bull Obesity can be caused by hypothyroidism Cushings syndrome Prader-Willi syndrome polycystic ovary syndrome arthritis increased insulin levels (from carbohydrate-heavy diets or diabetes treatments) and depression

bull Certain drugs like antidepressants anti-seizure medications diabetes medications anti-psychotic medications antihistamines anticonvulsants steroids beta blockers and contraceptives can contribute towards obesity

bull Obesity is associated with lack of sleep (or sleep debt) ingesting endocrine disrupters (such as BPA DDT and phthalates) consuming high-fructose corn syrup a lack of temperature variation (due to air conditioners and heaters) etc

Metabolic disease-ConIs Obesity an addiction to food

bull When you become addicted to something you lose your freedom of choice Your brain chemistry starts making the decisions for you

bull In fact up to 20 of people may suffer from food addiction and this number goes up to about 25 in overweight and obese people

bull Further research is required

Nutrients 2014 Oct 216(10)4552-90 doi 103390nu6104552The prevalence of food addiction as assessed by the Yale Food Addiction Scale a systematic reviewPursey KM1 Stanwell P2 Gearhardt AN3 Collins CE4 Burrows TL5

25102017

8

Obesity is no different from these other chronic diseases where short-term treatments do not change the underlying biology that drives and maintains them

Obesity is multi-factorial

Sumithran P et al N Engl J Med 2011 3651597-604

Body weight is vigorously defended

hormonally

bull Changes in gut hormones after weight loss 1 increased hunger amp2 greater desire to eatbull These persist even when the lost weight is regained

Slide courtesy of Dr Anthony Brancatisano

Page 7: 25/10/2017...25/10/2017 6 •Not that they have no hope; they just need more help •Life happens: not everything is in our own hands. •“Telling someone with obesity to eat less

25102017

7

Metabolic disease-ProCould it be a First World problem

The Fattening of America Health Economist Eric Finkelstein argues that obesity is a lifestyle choice [2008]

bull ldquoWith labor-saving devices and low-cost easily accessible foods people are going to eat more and exercise less

bull When you have a first-rate medical system that can cure the diseases that obesity promotes you no longer need to worry so much about being obese

COUNTER-ARGUEMENT

bull There would appear to be more at play here than sheer wealth Japan boasts over 3000 McDonalds restaurants 2nd in No only to the US amp is home to many other fast food outlets

bull Yet Japan has one of the lowest obesity rates in the world

Restrictiveenvironment

Resistant Prone

ldquoObesogenicrdquoenvironment

Obesity Predisposition

BM

I

Ravussin E Bouchard C Eur J Pharmacol 2000410131-145

Genetics vs Environment

Metabolic disease-ProFood deserts amp environmental disruptorsbull In some areas buying healthy food is simply not an option

bull Not being able to buy healthy and fresh foods limits the diet substantially and increases the risk of problems like obesity

bull Other environmental factors may also play a role in obesity including artificial light from electric light bulbs computers phones and televisions

bull Even though the link between screen use and obesity has been well established most studies chalk this up to lack of exercise

bull However night time exposure to light and changes to the inner circadian rhythm may also contribute to obesity

Metabolic disease-Pro

bull Obesity can be a genetic disorder such as sickle-cell anaemia and Tay-Sachs which are classified as diseases

bull Researchers have ID 79 genetic syndromes associated with obesity

bull Studies have shown that obesity can be inherited like height

bull Genetic disposition plays a large role in determining if a person will be obese

bull The FTO gene reportedly lowers activity in the part of the brain that controls impulses and the response to the taste and texture of food so people with the gene are more likely to eat more fatty foods and eat more impulsively as they age

bull NEJM study 1990 on body mass in twins not raised in the same home concluded genetic influences on body-mass index are substantial

bull In addition to genetic predisposition almost 10 of morbidly obese people have defects in the genes that regulate food intake metabolism and weight

Metabolic Disease-ConObesity is a side effect not a disease

bull Obesity can be caused by hypothyroidism Cushings syndrome Prader-Willi syndrome polycystic ovary syndrome arthritis increased insulin levels (from carbohydrate-heavy diets or diabetes treatments) and depression

bull Certain drugs like antidepressants anti-seizure medications diabetes medications anti-psychotic medications antihistamines anticonvulsants steroids beta blockers and contraceptives can contribute towards obesity

bull Obesity is associated with lack of sleep (or sleep debt) ingesting endocrine disrupters (such as BPA DDT and phthalates) consuming high-fructose corn syrup a lack of temperature variation (due to air conditioners and heaters) etc

Metabolic disease-ConIs Obesity an addiction to food

bull When you become addicted to something you lose your freedom of choice Your brain chemistry starts making the decisions for you

bull In fact up to 20 of people may suffer from food addiction and this number goes up to about 25 in overweight and obese people

bull Further research is required

Nutrients 2014 Oct 216(10)4552-90 doi 103390nu6104552The prevalence of food addiction as assessed by the Yale Food Addiction Scale a systematic reviewPursey KM1 Stanwell P2 Gearhardt AN3 Collins CE4 Burrows TL5

25102017

8

Obesity is no different from these other chronic diseases where short-term treatments do not change the underlying biology that drives and maintains them

Obesity is multi-factorial

Sumithran P et al N Engl J Med 2011 3651597-604

Body weight is vigorously defended

hormonally

bull Changes in gut hormones after weight loss 1 increased hunger amp2 greater desire to eatbull These persist even when the lost weight is regained

Slide courtesy of Dr Anthony Brancatisano

Page 8: 25/10/2017...25/10/2017 6 •Not that they have no hope; they just need more help •Life happens: not everything is in our own hands. •“Telling someone with obesity to eat less

25102017

8

Obesity is no different from these other chronic diseases where short-term treatments do not change the underlying biology that drives and maintains them

Obesity is multi-factorial

Sumithran P et al N Engl J Med 2011 3651597-604

Body weight is vigorously defended

hormonally

bull Changes in gut hormones after weight loss 1 increased hunger amp2 greater desire to eatbull These persist even when the lost weight is regained

Slide courtesy of Dr Anthony Brancatisano