Regulations vs Biology in the Fight to End Obesity

                The obesity epidemic is one of the largest threats to public health around the globe. Obesity can cause heart disease, stroke, cancer, and even more life-threatening conditions. One of the major concerns of scientists and government officials worldwide is finding the best way to decrease obesity on an international scale. To some the answer is quite simple, all it takes is a shift in people’s dietary habits toward eating more fruits and vegetables and less processed foods and sugars. However, for many these changes are not so simple. Tasty treats and snacks attract people with promises of good taste but come with an unhealthy amount of sugar, fat, and calories. But why do we make unhealthy choices if we are aware of the deadly consequences? Dr. Jen Beshel, a biologist studying this phenomenon at Loyola University Chicago and policymakers in Chile both provide possible solutions to this widespread problem. 

                Dr. Jen Beshel studies Drosophila and their physical responses to obesity-linked behavior. She has been focusing her research on the proteins associated with the neuronal pathways that could cause obesity. She discovered that the lack of protein upd2 led to fullness and a decrease in hunger in Drosophila which ultimately resulted in lower weight. Another protein, upd1 works to prevent overconsumption in flies, so she disabled this protein to see how the flies would react. Sure enough, the flies ate large amounts of food and eventually became obese. Dr. Beshel’s evidence shows that there may be some neural signaling or connectivity associated with behaviors that could lead to obesity.

                According to the article, “In Sweeping War on Obesity, Chile Slays Tony the Tiger” from the New York Times written by Andrew Jacobs, Chile has seen a rapid rise in obesity. Andrews claims that Chile had previously been struggling with widespread malnourishment up until the late 1980s but has since been faced with an obesity epidemic. To combat this issue, the Chilean government implemented “marketing restrictions” on unhealthy brands, particularly those that advertise to children. According to Andrews, these restrictions include removing cartoon characters from children’s cereal boxes, eliminating Kinder Surprise (a chocolate egg that contains a toy inside), banning unhealthy foods from being sold at Chilean schools, and getting rid of ads that promote unhealthy foods for kids. The government is also testing out a new labeling system that places black stop sign stickers on foods that are high in sugar, salt, calories, or saturated fat. Due to these harsh restrictions, food companies have been altering their products to contain less harmful ingredients, and schools have started selling more nuts, rice cakes, and dried fruit. While it may take a few years to see a decrease in obesity, the Chilean government is hopeful that these new laws will improve the health of its citizens.

                The reasons behind obesity-linked behavior may still remain unclear. However, it is critical that drastic steps be taken to improve the lives of those around the world struggling with obesity. Dr. Beshel has found promising evidence that supports the neurological pathways behind behaviors that lead to obesity. The Chilean government went to extremes to provide a possible solution to the rising obesity rates of its citizens. Through proper education, restriction, and research there will hopefully be a decline in obesity around the globe and an increase in better health for all.

Jacobs, Andrew. “In Sweeping War on Obesity, Chile Slays Tony the Tiger.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 7 Feb. 2018, www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/health/obesity-chile-sugar-regulations.html?rref=collection/sectioncollection/world&action=click&contentCollection=world®ion=stream&module=inline&version=latest&contentPlacement=9&pgtype=sectionfront.

Beshel, Jennifer, et al. A Leptin Analog Locally Produced in the Brain Acts via a Conserved Neural Circuit to Modulate Obesity-Linked Behaviors in Drosophila. 10 Jan. 2017, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550413116306465?via%3Dihub.