Biological Studies around Obesity
Staff, S. X. (2020, January 3). Study finds dopamine, biological clock link to snacking, overeating, and obesity. Retrieved April 3, 2020, from https://phys.org/news/2020-01-dopamine-biological-clock-link-snacking.html
Biological Studies around Obesity
This article helped me understand what parameters are considered in establishing whether or not a person is obese or overweight. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a person whose body mass index (BMI) is above 30 is considered obese. In contrast, one who’s BMI is equal or above the 25 scales is deemed to be overweight.
BMI is calculated by taking an individual body weight in kilograms, then dividing it with their height in square meters. Obesity is brought about by the accumulation of excess fat in a persons’ body, which presents a threat to their health and poses a risk factor for chronic diseases.
This article caught my attention because obesity is both a social and a biological problem. The social aspect relates to dieting, with developed nations like the United States showing huge dependence on processed food, which are high on sugar, calories, and carbohydrates (Staff, S, 2020). To understand how biology affects a person’s weight when we consider their DNA, studies in the genome have identified multiple genes associated with body mass index are in the brain.
This article can help someone who does not understand how the brain plays a significant role in eating habits. A part of the brain releases a chemical known as dopamine, which, when released in vast quantities, creates a feeling of pleasure and reward, which motivates repeat behavior. This chemical is linked to the consumption of high-calorie foods that bring joy to the person consuming, therefore, disrupting the eating patterns.
Parents should read this article because it will help them understand how genetics, environment, and parenting styles have an impact on the risk of obesity in their children.
References
Staff, S. X. (2020, January 3). Study finds dopamine, biological clock link to snacking, overeating, and obesity. Retrieved April 3, 2020, from https://phys.org/news/2020-01-dopamine-biological-clock-link-snacking.html