Genomics, Obesity and the Struggle over Responsibilities [Paperback]

This volume addresses the overlapping aspects of the fields of genomics, obesity and (non-) medical ethics. It is unique in its examination of the implications of genomics for obesity from an ethical perspective. Genomics covers the sciences and technologies involved in the pathways that DNA takes until the organism is completely built and sustained: the range of genes (DNA), transcriptor factors, enhancers, promoters, RNA (copy of DNA), proteins, metabolism of cell, cellular interactions, organisms. Genomics offers a holistic approach, which, when applied to obesity, can have surprising and disturbing implications for the existing networks tackling this phenomenon.The ethical concerns and consideration presented are inspired by the interaction between the procedural perspective emphasizing the necessity of consultative and participatory organizational relationships in the new gray zones between medicine and food, and the substantive perspective that both cherishes individual autonomy and embeds it in socio-cultural contexts.

Examining overlapping aspects of genomics, obesity and (non-) medical ethics, and discussing the implications of genomics for obesity from an ethical perspective makes this volume unique. It offers constructive suggestions on how to tackle the issues arising.

Content.- Contributors.- Acknowledgements.- Editors Preface.- Part I Introduction.- 1 Challenges of Genomics to Obesity and Traditional Ethics; Michiel Korthals.- 2 Genomics and Obesity from a Pragmatist Point of View; Michiel Korthals.- Part II Concepts of Obesity and Genomics; what can Genomics imply for Society?.- 3 Behaviour, Environment or Body: Three Discourses on Obesity; Tsjalling Swierstra.- 4 Contesting the Obesity Epidemic: Elements of a Counter Discourse; Henk van den Belt.- 5 Three Main Areas of Concern, Four Trends in Genomics and Existing Deficiencies in Academic Ethics; Michiel Korthals.- 6 Obesity Genomics: Struggle over of Responsibilities; Michiel Korl£