An integrated model of obesity pathogenesis that revisits causal direction

Weight gain indicates a positive energy balance, with calorie intake exceeding expenditure. However, this fact of physics cannot inform causality. Potential pathways to obesity include a positive energy balance that drives weight gain or weight gain that drives the positive energy balance. Here, we propose an integrated model of obesity pathogenesis that incorporates both pathways.

Automated summary

Weight gain can be caused by either a positive energy balance leading to weight gain or weight gain resulting in a positive energy balance. This integrated model of obesity pathogenesis incorporates both pathways.