How interdisciplinary research at the crossroad between socio-cultural anthropology, nutritional and physical activity physiology can help addressing the obesity epidemic

Summary Despite large global initiatives to manage obesity, its prevalence reaches pandemic levels. A potential reason is that the complex interactions between biological, behavioral, and socio-ecological factors and their respective role in the regulation of body weight (BW) and fat mass are still not well understood. Our view is that as long as physical activity (PA) is above a certain level, diet, genes and other factors play a role, but their contribution is less pronounced. However, PA levels below a certain threshold uncouple energy intake and energy needs, and impair metabolic control, thus promoting long-term excessive BW and fat mass gain. Technological advances of the past centuries have most likely decreased PA below this threshold in our societies. The epidemiological transition model summarizes the changes in lifestyle, diet and PA that initiated the onset of obesity in Westernized countries. We believe that to identify which factors pose the greatest risk for excessive BW gain, scientists need to study lifestyles, diet, PA and the metabolism of pre-industrial populations, who are undergoing this transition, in a comprehensive metabolic, behavioral and socio-anthropological approach. Here we are presenting the related state-of-the-arts, current gaps in knowledge and future directions.