Oral

The dominant thinking about obesity is that it is a matter of personal responsibility and self control, and that people could prevent obesity or lose weight if they were motivated enough. This symposium examines and challenges these basic assumptions about obesity from different viewpoints. Dr. Cohen will present findings from neurophysiology and neuropsychology including evidence on automatic behaviors. Dr. Sturm will present perspectives on obesity and choice from an economist’s viewpoint, and Dr. Farley will provide the perspective of the public health practitioner and necessary directions for obesity prevention and control. Finally, Dr. Wansink will discuss these papers and describe ways in which the USDA might incorporate these perspectives into policy

Session Objectives: 1. Audience members will learn the multiple factors that relate to the obesity epidemic 2. Audience members will learn of the nuerophysiology and neuropsychology that influence obesity. 3. Audience members will understand policy implications of these findings

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing