Factors predisposing to obesity: a review of the literature

  • A T Ali University of the Witwatersrand
  • Nigel J Crowther University of the Witwatersrand
Keywords: obesity, caloric intake, genetic factors, evolution

Abstract

The rising prevalence of obesity is a worldwide problem affecting not only the developed world but also developing nations such as South Africa. Excess body fat deposition is caused by an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure and there are many genetic and environmental factors that can influence this balance. The present article will describe these factors and discuss the complex interaction between the environment and the human genome that may underlie the current obesity epidemic.

Author Biographies

A T Ali, University of the Witwatersrand
PhD Department of Chemical Pathology National Health Laboratory Service University of the Witwatersrand Medical School Parktown, Johannesburg
Nigel J Crowther, University of the Witwatersrand
BSc(Hons), DPhil Department of Chemical Pathology National Health Laboratory Service University of the Witwatersrand Medical School Parktown, Johannesburg
Issue
Vol 52, No 3 - May/June 2010
Section
CPD
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