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Cited by 442Obesity, Physical Activity, DietObesity and Health PracticesEating Disorders and Behaviors

Myths, Presumptions, and Facts about Obesity

Open access
Casazza, Krista, Fontaine, Kevin R., Astrup, Arne, Birch, Leann L., Brown, Andrew W., Bohan Brown, Michelle M., Durant, Nefertiti, Dutton, Gareth +12 more·2013·New England Journal of Medicine
DOI 10.1056/nejmsa1208051PMC PMC3606061
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Many beliefs about obesity persist in the absence of supporting scientific evidence (presumptions); some persist despite contradicting evidence (myths). The promulgation of unsupported beliefs may yield poorly informed policy decisions, inaccurate clinical and public health recommendations, and an unproductive allocation of research resources and may divert attention away from useful, evidence-based information. METHODS: Using Internet searches of popular media and scientific literature, we identified, reviewed, and classified obesity-related myths and presumptions. We also examined facts that are well supported by evidence, with an emphasis on those that have practical implications for public health, policy, or clinical recommendations. RESULTS: We identified seven obesity-related myths concerning the effects of small sustained increases in energy intake or expenditure, establishment of realistic goals for weight loss, rapid weight loss, weight-loss readiness, physical-education classes, breast-feeding, and energy expended during sexual activity. We also identified six presumptions about the purported effects of regularly eating breakfast, early childhood experiences, eating fruits and vegetables, weight cycling, snacking, and the built (i.e., human-made) environment. Finally, we identified nine evidence-supported facts that are relevant for the formulation of sound public health, policy, or clinical recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: False and scientifically unsupported beliefs about obesity are pervasive in both scientific literature and the popular press. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health.).

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  • In nutrition and obesity, constant vacillation of headlines and studies about foods has contributed to decreased trust in nutrition science, with unscientific ideas advanced through higher exposure.

    “In our fields of nutrition and obesity, the constant vacillation of headlines and studies purporting that a food is good and then perhaps bad from week to week has contributed to a decreased trust in nutrition science, with many unscientific ideas being advanced through higher exposure (34, 74–77).”

    From Issues with data and analyses: Errors, underlying themes, and potential solutions (2018) · cites this paper as [75]

  • Regular exercise has been shown to facilitate weight loss, prevent pain and improve mood and sleep quality in patients with insomnia.

    “Regular exercise has been shown to facilitate weight loss, prevent pain and improve mood and sleep quality in patients with insomnia. Also, potential positive impacts on exercise performance create a positive circle. ( 15 - 18 )”

    From Physical exercise as a therapeutic approach for adults with insomnia: Systematic review and meta-analysis (2022) · cites this paper as [16]

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  1. [38]Shermer M Why people believe weird things: pseudoscience, superstition, and other confusions of our time 3 London Souvenir Press 2007

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Authors
Casazza, K., Fontaine, K. R., Astrup, A., Birch, L. L., Brown, A. W., Bohan Brown, M. M., Durant, N., Dutton, G., Foster, E. M., Heymsfield, S. B., McIver, K., Mehta, T., Menachemi, N., Newby, P. K., Pate, R., Rolls, B. J., Sen, B., Smith, D. L., Thomas, D. M., & Allison, D. B.
Affiliations
  • University of Alabama at Birmingham (US)
  • University of Copenhagen (DK)
  • Pennsylvania State University (US)
  • Pennington Biomedical Research Center (US)
  • University of South Carolina (US)
  • Boston University (US)
  • Montclair State University (US)
ORCID
Venue
New England Journal of Medicine
Publisher
Massachusetts Medical Society
Published
2013-01-31
Volume
368
Issue
5
Pages
446-454
ISSN
  • 0028-4793 (ISSN-L)
  • 1533-4406
DOI
10.1056/nejmsa1208051
PMC
PMC3606061
OpenAlex
W2101264903
Cited by
442
References
40
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 13 · 2022: 21 · 2021: 15 · 2020: 22 · 2019: 20 · 2018: 39 · 2017: 46 · 2016: 61 · 2015: 53 · 2014: 75 · 2013: 57
FWCI
83.85
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • New England Journal of Medicine (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
  • Scholar Commons (University of South Carolina) (submittedVersion)
  • Research at the University of Copenhagen (University of Copenhagen) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • Aetna Foundation
  • Eli Lilly and Company
  • Pfizer
  • AstraZeneca
  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • PepsiCo
  • General Mills
  • Coca-Cola Foundation
  • Mead Johnson Nutrition
  • Almond Board of California
  • Archer Daniels Midland
  • United Soybean Board
  • Orexigen Therapeutics
  • Northarvest Bean Growers Association
  • Novo Nordisk
  • National Institutes of Health (5p01dk042618-15)
  • National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (R00DK083333, T32DK062710, P30DK026687, P30DK056336, P01-DK042618)
  • Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (R01HD043125)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Pharmacy › Obesity and Health Practices
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Eating Disorders and Behaviors
Keywords
obesity, myth, presumption, public misconceptions, weight loss, energy intake, energy expenditure, weight loss goals, rapid weight loss, physical education, breastfeeding, breakfast, early childhood experiences, fruit and vegetable intake, snacking, built environment, obesity policy, clinical guidelines
MeSH terms
Breast Feeding, Energy Intake, Diet, Reducing, Energy Metabolism, Environment, Female, Goals, Humans, Male, Obesity, Weight Loss, Exercise

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