Genetic and environmental contributions to obesity

The rapid increase in obesity over the past 2 decades serves as a serious t hreat to health and quality of life. Data from familial, twin, and adoption studies strongly suggest that genetics contributes to a substantial portio n of the variation in body weight and body fatness within a population. Bec ause it is likely substantial changes have occurred in the gene pool over t his period, it must be that changes in the environment have increased the s usceptibility of obesity in many genetic phenotypes. This article discusses how changes in various environmental factors are contributing toward const ant positive energy balance, leading to body weight dysregulation. Efforts aimed at managing obesity should be directed toward modification of the env ironment.