Exclusive online articles

Browse the library of exclusive online articles below - produced to complement the print issue of 'Big Picture on Obesity' - to find out more about obesity.

Section 1: Size matters - obesity and its impact

Stereotyping and fattism
As well as being held up to ridicule, obese people are also subject to discrimination and anti-fat bias.

What is a disease?
The medical profession argues that obesity is a disease; not everyone agrees.

How does obesity cause ill-health?
How excess body fat causes illness is not completely understood.

Section 2: Metabolism - how the body controls weight

Genes and obesity
Finding genes involved in obesity helps us understand the complex biological systems that control weight.

Uncertainty and research
A dispute about the effects of a hormone illustrates the uncertainty and controversy that surrounds scientific research.

Section 3: Weight gain - the factors driving the obesity epidemic

Pre-natal programming
Factors acting before birth may affect the likelihood of becoming obese.

Obesity among the hungry
Ironically, as developing countries struggle to reduce hunger, some are also simultaneously facing the growing problem of obesity.

Section 4: Beating the bulge - how weight gain can be tackled

Exercise and dietary change
Doctors recommend cautious, realistic weight-loss programmes with support from healthcare professionals.

Pharmacological interventions
The pharmaceutical industry is racing to provide new products to tackle obesity.

Section 5: Whose responsibility?

Representative groups
Several bodies raise awareness of particular issues or act as a voice for those affected.

Further information and useful links

Where to go to find out more about obesity, its impact and treatment.