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Life Sciences Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

2013

Obesity

Faculty Publications

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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Myths, Presumptions, And Facts About Obesity, Krista Casazza, Kevin R. Fontaine, Arne Astrup, Leann L. Birch, Andrew W. Brown, Michelle M. Bohan Brown, Nefertiti Durant, Gareth Dutton, E. Michael Foster, Steven B. Heymsfield, Kerry Mciver, Tapan Mehta, Nir Menachemi, P.K. Newby, Russell R. Pate, Barbara J. Rolls, Bisakha Sen, Daniel L. Smith Jr, Diana M. Thomas, David B. Allison Jan 2013

Myths, Presumptions, And Facts About Obesity, Krista Casazza, Kevin R. Fontaine, Arne Astrup, Leann L. Birch, Andrew W. Brown, Michelle M. Bohan Brown, Nefertiti Durant, Gareth Dutton, E. Michael Foster, Steven B. Heymsfield, Kerry Mciver, Tapan Mehta, Nir Menachemi, P.K. Newby, Russell R. Pate, Barbara J. Rolls, Bisakha Sen, Daniel L. Smith Jr, Diana M. Thomas, David B. Allison

Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND Many beliefs about obesity persist in the absence of supporting scientific evidence (presumptions); some persist despite contradicting evidence (myths). The promulgation of unsupported beliefs may yield poorly informed policy decisions, inaccurate clinical and public health recommendations, and an unproductive allocation of research resources and may divert attention away from useful, evidence-based information.

METHODS Using Internet searches of popular media and scientific literature, we identified, reviewed, and classified obesity-related myths and presumptions. We also examined facts that are well supported by evidence, with an emphasis on those that have practical implications for public health, policy, or clinical recommendations.

RESULTS We …