Abstract

Integrative theories to explain the distribution of human overweight and obesity are lacking. The evolutionary perspective has correctly emphasised the role of Western energy-dense diets, but fails to explain why some social groups and some countries are more strongly affected than others. The socioecological perspective has correctly emphasised the role of poverty, economic inequality and insecurity, but not explained why these forces should have the effects that they do. Here, I present an evolutionary model based on the principle—well supported in animals—that adiposity is a response to food insecurity. As well as a theoretical model and data from birds, I present evidence from a meta-analysis of the human literature, showing that food insecurity is associated with increased risk of obesity, at least in women in the developed world. I consider an alternative perspective on the obesity problem, in which obesity relates not an excess of food per se, but to a lack of security in its acquisition.

 Daniel Nettle is Professor of Behavioural Science at Newcastle University.

His webpage: https://www.danielnettle.org.uk/

Abstract of his communication: “Integrative theories to explain the distribution of human overweight and obesity are lacking. The evolutionary perspective has correctly emphasised the role of Western energy-dense diets, but fails to explain why some social groups and some countries are more strongly affected than others. The socioecological perspective has correctly emphasised the role of poverty, economic inequality and insecurity, but not explained why these forces should have the effects that they do. Here, I present an evolutionary model based on the principle—well supported in animals—that adiposity is a response to food insecurity. As well as a theoretical model and data from birds, I present evidence from a meta-analysis of the human literature, showing that food insecurity is associated with increased risk of obesity, at least in women in the developed world. I consider an alternative perspective on the obesity problem, in which obesity relates not an excess of food per se, but to a lack of security in its acquisition.”

Reference

Daniel Nettle (Newcastle University), “Human overweight and obesity: Combining evolutionary and socioecological perspectives”, IAST General Seminar, Toulouse: IAST, December 1, 2017, 11:30–12:30, room MF323.