Study finds changes in technology and human behavior contribute to obesity.

Obesity is not an individual problem but a result of technological progress that exceeds the pace of human evolution and changes in food availability, according to a UK government-sponsored study released last week. FoodNavigator.com reported that the Foresight report, "Tackling Obesities: Future Choices" is an in-depth two-year study conducted by almost 250 experts and scientists to examine the causes of obesity and map future trends to help the government develop new health strategies.

The results suggest today's society is suffering from "passive obesity." Although personal responsibility cannot be dismissed, the UK population on the whole is apparently no more gluttonous or biologically different than previous generations. Instead, major changes in work patterns, transport, food production and food sales has led to weight gain being inevitable for most people.

The Foresight study concluded that isolated initiatives to combat obesity are futile because of the complexity and interrelationships of the contributing factors. Instead, the UK should take the lead in developing and implementing a long-term strategy that brings together different sectors. The emphasis should be on prevention, according to Foresight, as opposed to treatment.