Homeostatic theory of obesity

Abstract

Health is regulated by homeostasis, a property of all living things. Homeostasis maintains equilibrium at set-points using feedback loops for optimum functioning of the organism. Imbalances in homeostasis causing overweight and obesity are evident in more than 1 billion people. In a new theory, homeostatic obesity imbalance is attributed to a hypothesized ‘Circle of Discontent’, a system of feedback loops linking weight gain, body dissatisfaction, negative affect and over-consumption. The Circle of Discontent theory is consistent with an extensive evidence base. A four-armed strategy to halt the obesity epidemic consists of (1) putting a stop to victim-blaming, stigma and discrimination; (2) devalorizing the thin-ideal; (3) reducing consumption of energy-dense, low-nutrient foods and drinks; and (4) improving access to plant-based diets. If fully implemented, interventions designed to restore homeostasis have the potential to halt the obesity epidemic.

Contrasting Views of the Post-bariatric Surgery Experience between Patients and their Practitioners: a Qualitative Study

“…However, current literature shows limited examination of psychological and social health outcomes following the procedure [4]. Obesity surgery is predominantly delivered and framed within a medical context despite evidence that obesity stems from combined biological, psychosocial and environmental factors [5,6]. This may be a reflection of the traditional approach of healthcare practitioners involved in the surgical intervention's process.…”

Patterns of lifestyle-related behaviors and parents’ overweight are associated with increased body adiposity in schoolchildren: a cross-sectional study in Portugal

“…The present study support the hypothesis that there are synergistic effects of lifestyle-related behaviors on the indicators of weight status and body fat distribution beginning in childhood. In a recent theory proposed by Marks [31], called the Homeostatic Theory of Obesity, this synergistic effect is similar to the mechanism one called "Circle of Discontent," which consists of a system of feedback loops linking weight gain, body dissatisfaction, negative affect, and overconsumption. According to this theory, one way to reduce the currently observed high prevalence of obesity, involving lifestyle-related behaviors, is the reduction in the consumption of high energy-dense and nutrientpoor foods [31].…”

“…In a recent theory proposed by Marks [31], called the Homeostatic Theory of Obesity, this synergistic effect is similar to the mechanism one called "Circle of Discontent," which consists of a system of feedback loops linking weight gain, body dissatisfaction, negative affect, and overconsumption. According to this theory, one way to reduce the currently observed high prevalence of obesity, involving lifestyle-related behaviors, is the reduction in the consumption of high energy-dense and nutrientpoor foods [31]. The lifestyle patterns of the Portuguese children were similar to those observed among Greek children and adolescents [19,22,23].…”

Homeostasis balance, homeostasis imbalance or distinct motivational processes? Comments on Marks (2015) ‘Homeostatic Theory of Obesity’

“…Marks’ (2015) review and analysis significantly advances the understanding of the obesity epidemic by (a) identifying the factors that could be at the origin of weight gain and clarifying how they contribute to the obesity epidemic; (b) highlighting the distinction between factors that contribute to initial weight gain, as well as to the processes involved in the Circle of Discontent (CoD); (c) describing the psychological and health problems that result from weight gain and obesity and (d) proposing prevention strategies. Although we applaud the article’s advancement in the field, we nevertheless see some issues that may benefit from a different perspective.…”