Re: Redsell S, Bains KK, Le Broq S, Bucks RS, Byrne-Davis L, Gray L, Hotham S, Hennessy M, Kyle TK, McPherson A, Quigley F, Vicari M, Zinn SR. Concerns regarding “Association between intelligence quotient and obesity in England” and unjustifiable harm to people in bigger bodies. Lifestyle Medicine 2021.
We thank Redsell and colleagues for preparing a comment on our important work surrounding the cross-sectional association between intelligence quotient (IQ) and obesity, while adjusting for sex, age, ethnicity, marital status, qualification, employment, income, chronic physical conditions, loneliness, social support, stressful life events, smoking status, alcohol dependence, drug use, and common mental disorders.
Our analysis was conducted and reported in accordance with STROBE guidance. The analyses showed that after adjustment for the aforementioned confounders, compared to IQ scores of 120–129, IQ scores of 110–119 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.16), 100–109 (OR = 1.35), 90–99 (OR = 1.26), 80–89 (OR = 1.68), and 70–79 (OR = 1.72) were associated with increased odds for obesity. Furthermore, a 10-point decrease in IQ was associated with a 1.10-fold increase in the odds for obesity. We went on to discuss the findings (i.e., the potential mechanisms that could explain the IQ–obesity relationship) in the context of the limitations of the study and concluded that there was a negative association between IQ and obesity in the UK population.
Correlates of health outcomes and behaviors can either be modifiable (e.g., physical activity level) or nonmodifiable (e.g., IQ). Modifiable correlates inform targets for change in interventions (such as increasing levels of physical activity) and nonmodifiable correlates inform populations who should be targeted for intervention (such as those with a low IQ in obesity prevention).1 These people with characteristics which may not be modifiable can also benefit from lifestyle interventions as they may be more likely to engage in lifestyle factors, which can lead to adverse health outcomes. In our study, which found that low IQ is associated with obesity, we discuss the potential contribution of lifestyle factors in this association. Identifying both types of correlates in terms of health behavior is essential for successful and targeted intervention. In this context, the present paper perfectly fits into the scope of “Lifestyle Medicine.”
It is not, nor ever has been our intention to fuel inappropriate perceptions of anyone in society. Indeed, we partake in a lot of co-created research with vulnerable groups and their voice is very important to us. We would like it acknowledged though that we do not have control over how research is used. The authors of this letter seem to infer that open access to scientific articles is not appropriate as it may be misinterpreted by parties with a vested interest. We would strongly refute this and choose to publish in open access jou