Fit or fat? A review of the debate on deaths attributable to obesity.

Scientific debate surrounding the burden of obesity on the population's health has escalated in recent months following the release of differing reports on the population attributable fraction of obesity mortality. Differing views on statistical methodology for estimating the number of deaths attributable to being overweight and obese were widely reported in the popular media. There was concern that the public was left unsure of how to perceive the health information about obesity. Furthermore, food industry groups exploited this moment of scientific development to generate support in corporate interests in the name of "consumer freedom." This review examines the state of the debate on deaths attributable to obesity. Public health nurses can use this information to work collaboratively with their service populations to ensure that accurate public health information is disseminated regarding obesity and mortality. This paper also highlights areas of obesity-related public health research that have been emphasized by this debate. Nurses should be actively engaged in such research in an effort to understand the epidemic of obesity and develop programs and influence policy to curb the determinants of obesity.