Our Beliefs About Obesity Might Shape Our Behavior

While there are rare cases of obesity being caused by a single genetic disorder, most cases of obesity result from multiple causes.  While genetics can certainly contribute to obesity risk and incidence, they are generally just one part of the equation that includes other risk factors like physical activity and dietary habits.  We all have our own beliefs regarding the causes of becoming overweight or obese; however, little is apparently known about how these beliefs impact our lifestyle behaviors.

A new research study, which is free to download or read online, examines this relationship between beliefs about the causes of obesity and related behaviors.  For this study, researchers used data from more than 3,500 individuals who took part in the Health Information National Trends Survey.  Participants in this survey responded to two questions about the causes of obesity:

1. "To what extent do you believe that obesity is caused by overeating and not exercising?"
2. To what extent do you believe that obesity is inherited?"

In addition to answering these two questions, the participants also provided information on their fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity habits.  The results of this study indicated:

• 72% of participants responded that overeating and not exercising had 'a lot' to do with obesity.
• About 19% of participants believed strongly that obesity is inherited.
• Obese men and women more strongly believed that obesity was caused by genetics compared to individuals who were not overweight or obese.
• Individuals who believed that obesity was inherited reported lower levels of physical activity and lower consumption of fruits and vegetables.
• Study participants who believed that obesity was caused by lifestyle behaviors reported greater levels of physical activity.

These are fascinating results that suggest our beliefs about the causes of obesity can have a substantial impact on our lifestyle behaviors.  According to these survey results, obese individuals might be more likely to believe that genetics cause obesity and this belief might lead to a decrease in exercise and a decrease in healthy eating habits.  The authors of this study imply that public health messages about the genetic causes of obesity might influence health behaviors in some individuals.  While this might be true, these public health messages remain an important part of obesity education and awareness.  However, since these messages might lead to unhealthy, obesity-related lifestyle behaviors in some people, it will become even more important to strongly emphasize the fact that obesity has many contributing factors and diet and physical activity still remain critical parts of the fight against obesity. 

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