Understanding Obesity: Evolutionary Roots and Health Solutions
Cosmological Models and Theories
Geocentric Model (Ptolemaic System)
In the Geocentric Model, the Earth is believed to be motionless at the center of the universe, with the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars revolving around it. This model could explain:
- The apparent movement of the Sun and Moon.
- The phenomenon of day and night.
- The apparent rotation of the stars.
- Planetary motion using complex epicycles and deferents.
However, it could not accurately explain the phases of Venus as observed, nor why planets have satellites orbiting them.
Heliocentric Model (Copernican System)
The Heliocentric Model posits the Sun as the center of the solar system, with all heavenly bodies orbiting it. This system successfully explains:
- The apparent rotation of the stars.
- The apparent retrograde motion of planets.
- Variations in planetary speed along their orbits, considering elliptical paths.
- The phases of Venus.
- The existence of planetary satellites.
Furthermore, it recognizes that the solar system is part of the Milky Way galaxy and also moves around its center.
Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory proposes that the Universe expanded to its current state from an initial condition of infinite density and temperature. This theory explains:
- The expansion of the Universe.
- The existence of cosmic microwave background radiation.
- The observed abundance of light elements (hydrogen, helium, lithium).
Steady-State Theory
The Steady-State Theory proposed a static universe that has always existed and is continuously creating matter. This theory could explain:
- The synthesis of elements present in the Universe beyond hydrogen.
However, it was not able to explain the cosmic background radiation, which was a key piece of evidence supporting the Big Bang Theory.
Understanding Metabolic Health Conditions
Common Metabolic Conditions
- Diabetes Mellitus: Characterized by increased blood glucose levels.
- Obesity: Defined as the excessive accumulation of fat in the body.
- Hyperlipidemia: Refers to an increased quantity of lipids (fats) circulating in the blood.
- Hypertension: Often associated with accelerating the process of atherosclerosis.
Insulin and Glucose Regulation
Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas. It enables the body to assimilate and utilize consumed nutrients. Glucose levels in the blood serve as the primary signal that regulates insulin production.
The Obesity Epidemic: An Evolutionary Perspective
Why the Rise in Obesity?
Obesity is a widespread issue, largely because modern human lifestyles are at odds with our evolutionary design. Unlike most animals, who must actively seek food, civilized humans often do not. Animals need to exert themselves strictly to survive; the current human being does not. In essence, obesity stems from an excess of high-calorie foods combined with reduced energy expenditure due to sedentary lifestyles. This is particularly concerning in children, where obesity and other metabolic alterations are increasing at an alarming rate.
Evolutionary Mismatch and Modern Health
Colloquially, to emphasize the importance of food for our health, it is often said that ‘we are what we eat.’ However, from an evolutionary perspective, perhaps we should say ‘we are what our ancestors ate.’ Throughout our evolutionary stages, we have overcome very difficult periods where the living conditions of our predecessors, and especially their food patterns, changed drastically. Those who survived exerted themselves and genetically adapted to these adverse circumstances. With the inventions of livestock farming and agriculture, just about eight thousand years ago, the human species gained access to food readily available at any time of year. This was not the case in our evolution six million years ago, when we still inhabited rainforests.
Adapting to Our Evolutionary Design: A Decalogue for Health
We must strive to adjust our modern lifestyle, as much as possible, to that of our ancestors. This means adapting our ‘Stone Age’ genetics to our ‘Space Age’ way of life. Consider this Decalogue for better health:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Engage in regular physical exercise.
- Consume plenty of vegetable fiber.
- Avoid high-calorie foods.
- Reduce saturated fats.
- Limit refined sugars.
- Moderate salt in dishes.
- Avoid or moderate alcohol consumption.
- Do not smoke.
- Combat stress.