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On food supply and obesity, missing the point is easy

International Journal of Obesity volume 41, pages 1169–1170 (2017)Cite this article

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Sometimes, we all miss the point. Inductive reasoning enables satisfying calls for broad sweeping action that fit with our preconceptions. Knowing the point, on the other hand, constrains us to the topic at hand. What is the point? For a scientific journal, the point should be about the scientific method applied within the field of study. Karl Popper and others would argue the point of science is to falsify claims. Thus, the scientific method only offers proof that an idea is wrong, but cannot prove another untested idea is correct.

Research discussed in this issue of the International Journal of Obesity (IJO) has shown that accurate self-assessment of overweight status does not predict better obesity outcomes.1 Rather, those with ignorance of their overweight status did better. Although this does not answer whether information about weight status causes obesity, it still falsifies the claim that body weight misperception is a widespread obesity risk factor.

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Acknowledgements

The views expressed in this article are ours and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, the US Government, or any other institution. Cleared, 88PA, Case # 2017–1173, 21 Mar 2017.

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  1. Epidemiology Consult Service Division, United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, USA

    J D Voss

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Voss, J. On food supply and obesity, missing the point is easy. Int J Obes 41, 1169–1170 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2017.101

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