By minhliu

LEPTIN: A PIECE OF THE OBESITY PIE

(August 2004) Approximately 23% of Canadians [1] and 200 million [2] people worldwide are considered obese, an increase from 10 years ago. Obesity is usually associated with but not limited to developed nations. In addition to social stigmas, there are significant health risks that come with being overweight. Studies have shown that having excess weight increases susceptibility to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and stroke, as well as certain forms of cancer. What causes obesity? The traditional view is that overeating and lack of exercise are responsible for weight gain. Thus, a greater input than output of energy will…