Biology Paper: Biological Approaches in Treatment of Obesity

Biological Approaches in Treatment of Obesity
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Biological Approaches in Treatment of Obesity
Introduction
Obesity, commonly described as Body Mass Index (BMI) equal or greater than 30Kg/M2, which results from discrepancies in the uptake and utilization of energy, is one of the most life-threatening problems in public health. Obesity prevalence and subsequently reported cases have more than tripled in the last few centuries. Statistics on the development of the disease reveal that obesity prevalence among adolescents and children is threatening the current and future generations. Adults are not exceptional of the magnitude of the disease. By 2025, it is projected that over 1.6 billion adults will be described as overweight (Hishinuma & Tanti, 2011). Amidst these mounting statistics, several interventions have been formulated to prevent and treat obesity. Prevention through lifestyle monitoring and environmental monitoring have been the commonly used interventions. A closer look at the available treatment options reveals a lot that has now sparked concerns among health stakeholders. Diet and exercise have been the primary treatments for obesity. Tons of evidence-based studies show that therapeutic or rather biological approaches may be direly required in some scenarios of obesity. The biological aspect of treating obesity is intensively researched. Significant developments have been achieved, with the aim of complementing or replacing diet and exercise as a means of treating obesity. This discussion assumes an exploratory approach in the treatment of obesity, mapping challenges and similar solutions.
Biology and Genetics of Obesity
Over the history of obesity, science has tried to establish the link between biology, genetics and obesity. Science has focused on physiological processes and activities like absorption, ingestion, digestion, metabolism and utilization of energy produced within the human body. Some physicians have argued for biologic interventions for treating obesity, specifically targeting physiological processes associated with the disease. A central argument for biological interventions is the fact that lack of exercise and improper diet does not account for every weight gained by an obese person (Jou, 2014). A study conducted among prisoners revealed some of the groundbreaking observations. Two of the participants in the study faced difficulties in losing weight that had been gained effortlessly. The two subjects were linked to the history of obesity within their families. The study carried out by Ethan Sims back in 1960, suggested that obesity could be hereditary. Several studies supported the observation. For instance, the “Twin” study conducted by Stunkard in 1986 and 1990 indicated a turn into molecular research to understand obesity (Jou, 2014).
One is likely to become obese when the amount of calories consumed exceeds the number of calories utilized, leading to fat build up in the body. Environmental factors like exercising and quality of food contribute majorly to the occurrence of obesity. Genetic predisposition is a minor contributing factor (Jou, 2014). Even though genetic factors cannot be directly associated with a rise in...