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.

1. foresight: tackling obesities
Jessica Charlesworth & Michael Burton
Summer 2006

2. 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.

4. p-evo conception clinic
biofeedback
food activism
superfarm
contents: food hedonism
feasting rituals
inactivity
second stomach

5. p-evo conception clinic
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.

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

15. biofeedback
Creating 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.

21. references
Nutragenomic approaches for obesity research, Elliott & Johnson
A medical history of obesity, Dr David Haslam
Allergic responses in the body
Child abuse campaigns RSPCC

22. food activism
As 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.

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

29. superfarm
New 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.

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

35. food hedonism
Food 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.

37. references
The potential of contributions from neuroscience and psychology
for understanding and treating obesity, Edmund T Rolls
Removing consumption away from pleasure of taste
Food as a drug
Simulation of phantom food
Stimulate the right taste buds

38. feasting rituals
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.

40. inactivity

42. second stomach

45. Thank you
www.jessicacharlesworth.com
www.michael-burton.co.uk