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Conclusion: Beyond Genomics and Obesity

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Genomics, Obesity and the Struggle over Responsibilities
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Abstract

In this final chapter, first the main points will be summarized of this investigation into the relationship between genomics, society and obesity. We have seen that although obesity is a serious problem, it is also a much contested one, even with respect to the definition, the more so with respect to its diagnosis and treatment. Subsequently, the main ethical issues will be identified that emerge when genomics researchers do concentrate on obesity. We will delineate our main conclusions with respect to the shifting responsibilities in the broad field of stakeholders and the changes in the attribution of meaning that health and food are subjected to. Many aspects of genomics are ambiguous in a very fundamental sense; genomics researchers and professionals produce ambivalent results.

Genes are time bombs. They explode in due time thanks to certain diets

(Dr. B. van Ommen, director of NUGO)

This crème protects your DNA; it stimulates the rejuvenation of your skin cells.

(Nivea DNAge Zone Action, body lotion and hand lotion)

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Correspondence to Michiel Korthals .

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Korthals, M. (2011). Conclusion: Beyond Genomics and Obesity. In: Korthals, M. (eds) Genomics, Obesity and the Struggle over Responsibilities. The International Library of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Ethics, vol 18. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0127-4_16

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