In this activity, students participate in a simulation that demonstrates that both genetic make-up and environmental factors influence an individual’s likelihood of becoming obese.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
- describe some of the factors that contribute to obesity
- explain that the likelihood of becoming obese has a genetic component that can be positively or negatively influenced by environmental factors
- describe some possible lifestyle changes that can help to maintain a healthy weight.
Acknowledgement: This activity was adapted from Risk Continuum, a resource created by the Genetic Science Learning Center, University of Utah.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
- introduction/background notes
- what you need
- what to do
- discussion questions
- extension ideas
- lifestyle cards.
Read this article to find out more about how scientists identify particular gene variations that might increase a person’s susceptibility to a particular disease.
Useful link
Visit the Ministry of Health website to learn more about obesity in New Zealand.
