Obesity risk factors
In this activity, students participate in a simulation that demonstrates that both genetic make-up and environmental factors influence an individual’s likelihood of becoming obese.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
describe some of the factors that contribute to obesity
explain that the likelihood of becoming obese has a genetic component that can be positively or negatively influenced by environmental factors
describe some possible lifestyle changes that can help to maintain a healthy weight.
Acknowledgement: This activity was adapted from Risk Continuum, a resource created by the Genetic Science Learning Center, University of Utah.
Factors that cause obesity
Your weight is influenced by many factors. Associate Professor Rachael Taylor, from the University of Otago, is interested in the role of environmental factors including food, sugary drinks and activity level.
Point of interest:
What do you think Rachael means when she talks about the optimist and pessimist view of the role of genetics in obesity
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
introduction/background notes
what you need
what to do
discussion questions
extension ideas
lifestyle cards.
Related content
This article looks at is Obesity: genetic or environmental?
Read this article to find out more about how scientists identify particular gene variations that might increase a person’s susceptibility to a particular disease.
Discover a new approach to obesity treatment – designing foods that influence the body’s control mechanisms on appetite and energy intake.
Activity idea
Use the Futures thinking tool to investigate obesity and the impact it has on the health system in the activity Futures thinking about obesity.
Useful link
Visit the Ministry of Health website to learn more about obesity in New Zealand.
