TED Talks Daily The brain science of obesity | Mads Tang-Christensen
Oct 6, 2021
Mads Tang-Christensen, an obesity researcher, dives into the fascinating connection between the brain and gut in regulating appetite. He reveals how obesity is influenced by genetics and environmental factors, challenging the stigma surrounding weight management. One groundbreaking discovery is a molecule that could be key to engineering solutions for healthy weight loss. Mads discusses the implications of obesity as a disease and the necessity for innovative treatment strategies, emphasizing the role of hormones like GLP-1 in appetite control.
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Rat Weight Trajectories
- Researcher Barry Levin experimented with rats and high-fat diets.
- He bred skinny rats and obese rats separately, finding their offspring returned to their predetermined weight trajectories even after dietary changes.
Obesity as a Disease?
- Human weight, like that of rats, seems to be predetermined to some degree.
- This suggests obesity could be considered a disease.
Defining Obesity as a Disease
- Obesity can be defined as a disease based on several medical criteria.
- It impairs functionality, increases susceptibility to other diseases, and can be caused by genetic impairments.