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Behavioral Science and the Study of Gene–Nutrition and Gene–Physical Activity Interactions in Obesity Research
Author(s) -
Faith Myles S.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
obesity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.438
H-Index - 199
eISSN - 1930-739X
pISSN - 1930-7381
DOI - 10.1038/oby.2008.524
Subject(s) - behavioural sciences , obesity , neuroimaging , physical activity , behavioural genetics , gene–environment interaction , psychology , neuroscience , gene , bioinformatics , biology , medicine , developmental psychology , genetics , physical medicine and rehabilitation , pathology , genotype , psychotherapist
This report summarizes emerging opportunities for behavioral science to help advance the field of gene–environment and gene–behavior interactions, based on presentations at The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Workshop, “Gene–Nutrition and Gene–Physical Activity Interactions in the Etiology of Obesity.” Three opportunities are highlighted: (i) designing potent behavioral “challenges” in experiments, (ii) determining viable behavioral phenotypes for genetics studies, and (iii) identifying specific measures of the environment or environmental exposures. Additional points are underscored, including the need to incorporate novel findings from neuroimaging studies regarding motivation and drive for eating and physical activity. Advances in behavioral science theory and methods can play an important role in advancing understanding of gene–brain–behavior relationships in obesity onset.