Obesity: the elephant in the corner

In 2055, everybody knew that obesity was a problem, but what did they do about it? The year is 2055. Socrates is discussing the history of the western obesity epidemic with Panacea, the goddess of healing. Socrates: Do you recall the days when people were still allowed to smoke? Panacea: Indeed, Socrates. It seems unthinkable now. Of course in those days smoking was the leading preventable cause of chronic disease. It is remarkable how times have changed. Socrates: In the past 50 years, obesity has come to account for more health problems than any other single factor. I can't help thinking, Panacea, that something could have been done to prevent this. What on earth was going on at the beginning of the 21st century? Panacea: Well, it was common knowledge that more and more people were becoming overweight. Obesity was well established as a risk factor for all kinds of diseases. There was even talk of epidemics and time bombs.1 2 Socrates: So why were people becoming obese? Panacea: Surely that's obvious. They were consuming more energy than they were expending. Socrates: It was that simple? Panacea: Absolutely. Socrates: I suppose this was a recent scientific discovery? Panacea: Oh no, Socrates. Even in the 20th century, the concept was well understood.3 Socrates: Is the human body not designed to regulate itself? Panacea: Indeed. It has sophisticated mechanisms for controlling hunger and appetite. Socrates: So why did some people not achieve a balance between their energy inputs and energy outputs? Panacea: Well, Socrates, it was all to do with their lifestyle choices.4 Socrates: Some followed a lifestyle of gluttony? Panacea: Or a lifestyle of sloth. Or both. Socrates: Your explanation implies a very neat, rational prescription, Panacea. If people consume more energy than they expend, they will gain …