Obesity in America
A Conference
Description:... Abstract: Most of the papers presented were prepared by the various conference task forces. A distinction is made between overweight and obesity; the former indicating an excess of body weight to height, the latter a surplus of fat. It is agreed that obesity is the result of a continued excessive consumption of food, but why such consumption occurs is not understood. The correlation of exercise and diet is discussed. Although skinfold thickness is considered the best measure of obesity, interpretation of the measurement is still a problem. The relationship between obesity and various body disorders needs further research. The dangers of obesity, including diseases associated with the condition, are discussed and further research is recommended. The various treatments for obesity have attendant risks which should be carefully considered. Control of obesity, which is largely the result of life style, will be most effective when people in both medical and nonmedical fields work together in a joint effort.
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