The IELTS Reading passage "Tackling Obesity in the Western World" highlights a shift from viewing obesity as a personal failure to understanding it as a medical issue driven by genetic factors, such as the hormone leptin. Research indicates that obese individuals often have higher energy expenditure, debunking the myth of a "slow metabolism" while emphasizing the role of genetics over lifestyle alone. For a complete breakdown, visit Practice PTE Online. IELTS Practice Tests Plus Volume 1 Reading Practice Test 2
The first proof that a genetic defect could cause human obesity was found in blood samples of two cousins lacking leptin.
Paragraph B The study, known as the Global Burden of Disease, analyzed data from 1990 to 2010. It found that the number of deaths related to obesity has more than doubled in that time. In 2010, approximately 3.4 million adults died as a result of being overweight. While high blood pressure remains the top risk factor for early death, the rise in body mass index (BMI) is now a close second. Health experts warn that the medical implications are severe, with links to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and various forms of cancer.
Why are these the correct answers? Let’s break down three of the trickiest questions.
Reading Passage
Metabolism: The chemical processes in a living organism to maintain life.
4. FALSE Explanation: Paragraph C quotes Professor Lopez saying: "individual willpower is no longer enough." This contradicts the statement that he believes it is sufficient.