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

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Myths, Presumptions, and Facts about Obesity

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Casazza, Krista, Fontaine, Kevin R., Astrup, Arne, Birch, Leann L., Brown, Andrew W., Bohan Brown, Michelle M., Durant, Nefertiti, Dutton, Gareth, Foster, E. Michael, Heymsfield, Steven B., McIver, Kerry, Mehta, Tapan, Menachemi, Nir, Newby, P.K., Pate, Russell, Rolls, Barbara J., Sen, Bisakha, Smith, Daniel L., Thomas, Diana M., Allison, David B.·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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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: Fontaine, Kevin R.
Astrup, Arne
Birch, Leann L.
Brown, Andrew W.
Dutton, Gareth
Foster, E. Michael
Heymsfield, Steven B.
McIver, Kerry
Mehta, Tapan
Menachemi, Nir
Pate, Russell
Rolls, Barbara J.
Sen, Bisakha
Smith, Daniel L.
Thomas, Diana M.
Allison, David B.
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: bronze
doi.org
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 › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › 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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