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Causes of obesity

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Abstract

The prevalence of obesity has been rising steadily over the last several decades and is currently at unprecedented levels: more than 68% of US adults are considered overweight, and 35% are obese (Flegal et al., JAMA 303:235–241, 2010). This increase has occurred across every age, sex, race, and smoking status, and data indicate that segments of individuals in the highest weight categories (i.e., BMI > 40 kg/m2) have increased proportionately more than those in lower BMI categories (BMI < 35 kg/m2). The dramatic rise in obesity has also occurred in many other countries, and the causes of this increase are not fully understood (Hill and Melanson, Med Sci Sports Exerc 31:S515–S521, 1999).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Comprehensive Weight Control Program, Weill-Cornell Medical College/New York Presbyterian Hospital, 1165 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA

    Suzanne M. Wright & Louis J. Aronne

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  1. Suzanne M. Wright
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  2. Louis J. Aronne
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Correspondence to Louis J. Aronne.

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Wright, S.M., Aronne, L.J. Causes of obesity. Abdom Radiol 37, 730–732 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-012-9862-x

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