Wednesday 16 May 2012

The mathematics of obesity

Based on a mathematical model of lifestyle and body weight this 'Body Weight Simulator' from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has been built by Dr Carson Chow.

It is discussed in this recent NY Times article after he presented the model at the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Illuminating the Obesity Epidemic with Mathematics.

By selecting your current weight, height, age, and levels of calorie intake and activity it can give estimates of the change in calorie or activity that is required to gain certain weight targets.

Have a go!

We all know that people respond differently to this lifestyle advice but using this tool perhaps we can give better and more specific advice to patients.

What is interesting is the small size of change that is required and the indefinite nature of that change to maintain a particular target.

1 comment:

  1. This is a very useful tool and should be integrated in our practice and our own life! Although a registered dietician cannot be replaced it can give a doctor a fairly good idea of his patient's needs and targets. Thanks again!

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