foresight: tackling obesities

Jessica Charlesworth & Michael Burton

Summer 2006

In 2006, in collaboration with Michael Burton, I worked at FORESIGHT, a Government think tank based in the Government Office for Science, to envision the impact of the predicted obesity epidemic over the next 50 years.

Our work considered the evolution of the body in response to an overtly obesogenic environment and some proposals for tackling the problem. The project aims to be a point of provocation informed by Foresight's extensive consultation with leading world scientists, experts and other leading stakeholders in order to stimulate debate in Government as well as the general public.

We generated a range of visual scenarios extrapolating the various drivers deemed to be contributing to the development of the Obesity epidemic. Each scenario was based on a paper written by various experts in education, nutrition, the built environment and each one discussed their theories on the causes and potential impacts of obesity in the next 50 years.

contents:

p-evo conception clinic

biofeedback

food activism

superfarm

food hedonism

feasting rituals

inactivity

second stomach

p-evo conception cl inic

The Personal Evolution Clinic is the ultimate preventative measure against our obesity epidemic.

P-EVO is a development of the Family Planning Association.It offers services to would-be parents, through DNA and genomic screening, to predict genetic variants in the not-yet-conceived child.

Parents can prepare for possible special requirements their unborn child may need in an obesogenic environment.

The experience of a visit to the P-EVO clinic is a rare blend of religious vision, health spa and theatrical spectacle.

references

The designer baby; IVF treatmentFamily planning association www.fpa.org.uk Genetic Factors in Human Obesity, Farooqi & O’Reilly

biofeedbackCreating a visual, sensory and bodily feedback system in reaction to dietary intake. The interpretation is instant to consumption and overall health, rather than waiting for weight gain and subsequent results. The visual bodily system can be tailored to an individuals body needs or aesthetic desires.

Children are implanted with a standard biofeedback system at a young age. This helps parents understand the dietary needs of their children and see the results of their food provision.

The adult biofeedback system adds extra layers to dating and sexual desire and attraction. Whereas the visual expression of children's diet raises issues surrounding the choice children have in access to healthy food, parents responsibilities and creates new forms of child abuse.

references

Nutragenomic approaches for obesity research, Elliott & JohnsonA medical history of obesity, Dr David Haslam Allergic responses in the bodyChild abuse campaigns RSPCC

food activismAs a reaction to food deserts created by large out of town supermarkets and the increase of fast food chains, activists took to the streets to campaign.

In 2020 Activists used hardy plants, genetically engineered to grow rampantly, as a sign of protest.

The targeted planting to combat food deserts now in 2050 create sources of fresh free seasonal food.

referencesSeville oranges free to the public Food access and obesity, Prof Martin White Disorder of convenience, Stanley J. Ulijaszek Fallen fruit www.fallenfruit.org

superfarmNew forms of shopping experience have originated according to the obesity epidemic.

A trip to the Super Farm can promise a day of digging vegetables, picking your own fruit fresh from the tree, milking cows and collecting eggs. Super Farm blends a learning experience, city farm, theme park and food education.

references

Food access and obesity, Prof Martin White Disorder of convenience, Stanley J. Ulijaszek

food hedonismFood hedonism separates the experience of food neurologically and physically from a calorific relationship to a serotonin induced pleasure.

Mastication is also revisited where a spa environment offers alternative food simulation therapies.

references

The potential of contributions from neuroscience and psychologyfor understanding and treating obesity, Edmund T RollsRemoving consumption away from pleasure of tasteFood as a drugSimulation of phantom foodStimulate the right taste buds

Fuelled with a sense of deep passion and concern with the heightened obesity epidemic, the food miles and energy expenditure related to food alongside decentralised communities and a lack of respect for food produce, individuals make a stand and lead by example.

The Beebeard man, as termed within the local harvest festival, embodies a symbolic ritual of providing natural sugar to be feasted upon by a local community. He displays his contribution and commitment to the community, like a badge of protest, belief or affiliation through his swarm of bees integrating with his body.

feasting rituals

inactivity

second stomach

Thank youwww.jessicacharlesworth.comwww.michael-burton.co.uk