World Obesity Epidemic

It may come as a shock to some, but the world is obese; and is not getting better. This problem won't get better unless there are policies put in place that target this problem. It used to be known that America was the most obese country in the world, but that is no longer the case. The rest of the world is catching up and suffering from this issue, and the consequences that come with it.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every country's obesity rate has increased from 2010-2014. In the United States alone, 38% of the population is obese, and not just in adults. In the U.S, 42 million children under the age of 5 are overweight or obese. That's a lot of overweight children!

Outside of the U.S, the obesity rate increased 30% more in developing countries than in higher income countries. In the past few years, there has been less consumption of fresh foods from farms and fish from fresh water and an increased consumption of processed foods in such places. A good portion of this rise on obesity can be attributed to lack of education on healthy eating and physical activity, as well as cultural norms and values of weight and appearance.

The Consequences

But what is the bigger issue of the obesity epidemic? People are overweight, so what?? Well, the consequences of being overweight and obese are becoming a deadly issue worldwide. There has been a significant increase in mortality from non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 Diabetes, stroke and some types of cancer. By being overweight, fat builds in the arteries, which in turn, decreases blood flow to the heart. Specifically, diabetes is becoming an epidemic in adults, especially in urban populations. There are more than 400 million adults worldwide with diabetes, with two thirds of them living in cities. The reason for this, being financial , geographical, resources available to healthy foods and safe physical activity environments. 

Specifically in the United States, obesity is due to the American lifestyle. We are eating more and exercising less than we ever have and food portions have doubled. Only 1 in 5 adults gets the recommended physical activity, and we sit at a desk 350 more hours each year than in previous years. Additionally, an increase in technology has increased the sedentary lifestyles. 

As for our children, they are receiving more than 50% of their calories at school. So, if schools do not change the way we educate and feed our children, the obesity epidemic will continue to start at a young age.

Road map to Reverse Obesity

The UN's Sustainable Development Goals for the new year are "reducing by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promoting mental health and well-being"

So, how do we stop this problem and get it better than it has been in the past? Well, that is definitely not an easy task and will take cooperation from all people to help in reversing the obesity epidemic. All sectors in society; government, schools, media, businesses, health care providers, families and individuals play a part in changing the American ways. There are policies that need to be set in place for physical activity and healthy eating that establish safe environments and decrease the cost of healthy food. 

Source: Huffington Post