EHAP Lecture Series: What does it mean to be a modern human? Perspectives on the modern obesity epidemic.

There is consistent evidence that the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased dramatically in Western society in recent decades. These shifts towards increasing body weight have resulted from long term changes in energy balance, and there is great debate as to the primary cause. The primary drivers of the obesity epidemic appear to be reductions in physical activity and increases in dietary intake; however, the degree to which these behaviors have changed over time is not well documented. This presentation will explore the emergence of obesity as a major public health issue and the role of potential causative factors.