Predisposition to Obesity: Should We Target Those Most Susceptible?

TY - JOUR

T1 - Predisposition to Obesity

T2 - Should We Target Those Most Susceptible?

AU - Olsen, Nanna Julie

AU - Mortensen, Erik Lykke

AU - Heitmann, Berit Lilienthal

PY - 2012/3

Y1 - 2012/3

N2 - Obesity prevention should remain a priority, even if there is some suggestion that the epidemic may presently have reached a stable level. However, previous interventions have not been effective in preventing overweight and obesity, and at the same time studies suggest that some subgroups are more predisposed to future obesity. The purpose of this paper is to review interventions on obesity prevention published during the past year, and to examine if interventions targeting predisposed groups or individuals seem more efficient in preventing obesity than studies targeting general populations. Among 15 identified studies, 7 targeted predisposed children or adolescents. More of the studies targeting predisposed individuals were able to show significant effects than the studies targeting general populations. Most studies targeting predisposed defined the predisposition based on ethnicity or socioeconomic status. Thus, we may be more successful in preventing obesity when targeting predisposed individuals, but more studies are needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

AB - Obesity prevention should remain a priority, even if there is some suggestion that the epidemic may presently have reached a stable level. However, previous interventions have not been effective in preventing overweight and obesity, and at the same time studies suggest that some subgroups are more predisposed to future obesity. The purpose of this paper is to review interventions on obesity prevention published during the past year, and to examine if interventions targeting predisposed groups or individuals seem more efficient in preventing obesity than studies targeting general populations. Among 15 identified studies, 7 targeted predisposed children or adolescents. More of the studies targeting predisposed individuals were able to show significant effects than the studies targeting general populations. Most studies targeting predisposed defined the predisposition based on ethnicity or socioeconomic status. Thus, we may be more successful in preventing obesity when targeting predisposed individuals, but more studies are needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

U2 - 10.1007/s13679-011-0004-5

DO - 10.1007/s13679-011-0004-5

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 22448345

SN - 2162-4968

VL - 1

SP - 35

EP - 41

JO - Current Obesity Reports

JF - Current Obesity Reports

IS - 1

ER -