The obesity epidemic is spreading across the globe, driving scientists to investigate the root causes of this issue. New findings suggest that its origins lie in a complex interplay between the features of the food industry and the physiological nuances of the human body.
An innovative approach to this global threat was recently presented at the International Congress on Obesity in Mexico City.
Professor Boyd Swinburn from the University of Auckland has proposed the “Synergistic Systems Theory” to explain this alarming trend. He concluded that the crisis stems from a combination of two intricate adaptive systems: the global production network of ultra-processed foods and the human body’s internal energy balance.
The modern food production chain encompasses product development, marketing, supply networks, and even political economy—all engineered solely for maximum profit. As a result, ordinary consumers, retailers, and even policymakers become unwilling or unwitting hostages of this industry, which easily displaces real food.
On the other side of the equation lies the human physiological mechanism, which constantly strives to match food intake with the body’s actual energy needs. Yet ultra-processed foods deceive this system, enabling us to consume vast amounts of calories before feeling full. Modern food boasts high energy density and immense flavor appeal, leading to unconscious overeating.
When a sharp disruption occurs in energy balance, the body activates a specialized dynamic subsystem to protect itself. It employs a “metabolic dial” that can accelerate or slow down metabolism and effectively regulate appetite intensity. Notably, the body’s response to weight loss is far more aggressive than its reaction to weight gain, as shedding pounds is perceived as a threat to survival.
The authors of the study argue that this asymmetrical functioning of the body creates an effect where weight is easily gained but extremely difficult to lose. Scientists advocate for implementing taxes on sugary drinks and strictly banning advertisements for unhealthy foods aimed at children. Optimism is fueled by the latest GLP-1 class medications, which help reduce appetite influence and control calorie intake.
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