The global rise in obesity rates has been officially recognized as a pandemic, commonly referred to the “globesity pandemic.” This label stems from the significant and alarming increase in obesity prevalence reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), which indicates it has been nearly tripled between 1975 and 2016 in most countries, including those classified as low-income and middle-income nations (1). There are many social factors involved in such a rise. However, a relevant one to consider is the significant shifts in the global food system, which makes many individuals exposed to high-energy processed foods that are more accessible and heavily promoted by multinational corporations. These food choices, along with non-food factors such as the built environment and cultural preferences, contribute to the recent increasing rates of obesity (2).
In this blog post we will delve into various aspects of the human relationship with food, seeking to gain a deeper understanding of how individuals interact with and perceive their dietary choices. By enhancing our knowledge of this relationship, we can achieve an enhanced perspective that aids in comprehending the exponential increase in food-related dynamics.
Throughout history, food has played a prominent role in both celebrations and rituals, even dating back to the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. For instance, in the times of the Romans, food would be introduced into the tombs of the deceased through a specially crafted aperture (3). This enduring role of food is still evident today, as it remains a central element in various celebrations. A prime example is the birthday celebration, where the birthday cake takes centre stage, or when food becomes the catalyst for gathering and sharing special moments.
As food serves as the primary source of nutrients for our bodies, it also holds a profound emotional connection. Our relationship with food extends beyond its nutritional value and has been ingrained within us over time. Food has the power to elicit emotional responses and can be used as a means of coping with or expressing our emotions. It is common for individuals to seek comfort, pleasure, or distraction through food when experiencing different emotional states, such as stress, sadness, or happiness. In this context, food becomes a way to soothe, reward, or exert control over our emotional lives. Who can forget the sweets our grandparents used to give us, or our parents cooking our favourite dish when we were sick? Our primary providers of nourishment, often our mothers and grandmothers, have played an indelible role in shaping our relationship with food. They have traditionally been responsible for providing meals and creating a nurturing environment around food. The food they prepared for us went beyond mere sustenance; it carried deep emotional significance. They instilled in us specific food preferences, portion sizes, and eating habits that we carry into adulthood. These early experiences with food, laden with emotional connections, have a lasting impact on our food choices, behaviors, and overall approach to eating.
Furthermore, in times of crisis or when social support from the community may be lacking, the influence of these formative encounters with food becomes even more prominent. The foundations of our relationship with food, already firmly established, can lead us to seek emotional support and comfort through food during times of crisis or difficulty, creating within us that desired sense of stability and comfort. However, this reliance on food as a means of emotional expression and support can contribute to a significant increase in obesity, especially when other sources of community support are diminished.
Recognizing the significant role that food has played throughout history, and in turn, throughout the life of each individual, allows us to better understand the complex interplay between food, emotions, and cultural practices. It highlights the importance of addressing not only individual behaviors, but also the broader sociocultural factors that shape our relationship with food and contribute to the obesity epidemic. This complexity is often dismissed in favour of viewing obesity as a matter of willpower, which is incorrect. Stigmatizing perspectives are widely disseminated among the general population and reflect the subconscious stigma surrounding obesity (4). The impact of this stigma is evident in various aspects of society, including the language used to discuss obesity. For instance, an analysis of the language employed in the 2019 National Health UK System long-term plan reveals striking differences in how obesity and cancer are discussed. When addressing obesity, a pessimistic and fear-driven narrative, prioritizing the condition itself, is evident. In contrast, when discussing cancer, an optimistic and hopeful tone, emphasizing the individual, is adopted. This unintentional negative communication sheds light on the deep-rooted subconscious stigma associated with obesity (5).
Consequently, it is imperative to address the sociocultural factors and challenge the stigmatizing perspectives surrounding obesity as part of a holistic approach to tackling this global health issue. This worldwide increase in obesity carries profound implications that extend beyond mere health concerns, impacting society as a whole. Therefore, experts are compelled to conduct thorough analyses to gain a comprehensive understanding of the contributing factors driving this exponential growth. An essential aspect of this analysis involves comprehending the intricate interplay between food, emotions, and cultural practices. By recognizing the enduring influence of food and the emotional connections associated with it, we can develop comprehensive strategies to effectively combat the global challenge of obesity. Ultimately, fostering a deeper understanding of our historical and present-day relationship with food is essential for promoting healthier lifestyles and creating a more balanced and sustainable food culture.
References
(1) World Health Organization. (2017). www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight (accessed 29 May 2023).
(2) Dicken, S. J., & Batterham, R. L. (2022). Ultra-processed food: a global problem requiring a global solution. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 10(10), 691-694.
(3) Otter, C. (2023). Diet for a large planet: industrial Britain, food systems, and world ecology. University of Chicago Press.
(4) The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology. (2021). Obesity: Another ongoing pandemic. Lancet Gastroenterology Hepatology, 6, 411. (5) Flint, S. W. (2020). The NHS long-term plan: a comparison of the narrative used for cancer and obesity. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 8(5), 355-357.
(5) Flint, S. W. (2020). The NHS long-term plan: a comparison of the narrative used for cancer and obesity. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 8(5), 355-357.
About the author
Julia Vázquez is a clinical and research neuropsychologist working as pre-doc at Vall d’Hebrón Research Institute (VHIR) in different research projects focused on psychological factors and cognition in metabolic disorders. She has expertise in the neuropsychological assessment and treatment of neurodegenerative disease, brain injury and epilepsy patients at Neurology Services at different Hospitals in the city of Barcelona. She had dedicated part of her clinical and research practice to the diagnosis and treatment of learning and language disorders in childhood neurorehabilitation centres. Also, she had collaborated as a teacher of the Neuropsychology master’s degree of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and she is author of contents about Language pathology of the Master of Neuropsychology of the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya.