The Science of Food, Health, and Choices

In the twilight of the 20th century, an undeniable truth had etched itself into the health narrative – the inextricable link between excess weight and a myriad of health issues. Cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, and various cancers found a common denominator in excess weight. A stark reality unfolded: obesity was not solely a problem of the affluent, and its roots intertwined deeply with economic growth. This revelation marked the onset of a modern predicament affecting both the affluent and the economically challenged across the globe.

The emergence of childhood type 2 diabetes and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in recent decades painted a disconcerting picture. What was once an exception in the 1980s became a disquieting norm by 2020, challenging the very fabric of our societies. The correlation between economic growth, an abundance of food, and the rise of obesity revealed a paradox – the accessibility of cheap, highly palatable, and calorie-dense food fostered an environment where time and resources for healthy eating took a backseat to the demands of a hectic lifestyle. The twist lies in the fact that our modern abundance of food doesn't manifest in the form of time and money for healthy choices. Instead, it manifests as an overabundance of cheap, easily accessible, high-calorie options, exacerbating the global obesity crisis.

Nature, in its pristine form, offers high-calorie, palatable foods such as fruit and honey. However, humans have sought to extract as many calories as possible from food since the beginning of the species.

The ability to control fire and cook food, a transformative act tracing back to our ancestors 1.9 million years ago, provided unparalleled advantages: reduced chewing time, enhanced nutrient extraction, food safety, and an expanded variety of consumable items. Cooking is believed to have played a pivotal role in the remarkable evolution of the human brain. Easily digestible food may have given an advantage in the development of bigger brains, not only by increasing the daily caloric budget but also by decreasing the need for a large intestine to extract calories from raw and fibrous food.

However, while cooking marked the first significant shift in our relationship with food, the agricultural revolution marked the second. Approximately 10,000 years ago, humans transitioned from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled agricultural communities, altering the course of our relationship with food. The benefits of agriculture came with trade-offs, presenting new challenges and opportunities.

Fast-forward to the present day, and we find ourselves in a staggering food environment. Urban landscapes offer an array of choices, from supermarkets to online deliveries. However, this abundance comes with its own set of challenges. Despite efforts by supermarkets to promote healthy foods, marketing strategies and price disparities often guide consumer choices, creating an environment where processed, calorie-dense foods take precedence.

The issue extends beyond urban centers. Food deserts, areas where affordable, nutritious options are scarce, disproportionately impact low-income communities. Even when access exists, research indicates that economic constraints often steer individuals towards cheaper, lower-quality food. The widening price gap between high-quality and processed foods exacerbates the situation, presenting an economic barrier to healthier choices.

Addressing these challenges requires a collective effort and a comprehensive understanding of metabolism, diet, and exercise, and their true impact on health, quality of life, and longevity. Educating the public on these matters may not revolutionize our environment. Nevertheless, fostering awareness can pave the way for change.

In my book "Planet Fat," I aim to demystify the complex relationship between our bodies, brains, and food choices. By unraveling the intricacies of metabolism, diet, and exercise, I hope to empower individuals to make informed choices in an obesogenic environment. However, the crux lies in recognizing that individual efforts, while valuable, may not be sufficient to combat the obesity pandemic. Collective action, coupled with a shift in societal norms and policies, holds the key to fostering a healthier future for both individuals and the planet.

I call for a paradigm shift – from blaming individuals to understanding the broader environmental factors at play. I call for collective responsibility, urging society to join forces in the quest for a healthier, more informed tomorrow.