Newsweek posted an article regarding the obesity epidemic rushing through our continent as well as the whole world in general. The article states, "The epidemic is most alarming among American children: rates have tripled among kids ages 12 to 19 since 1980, with one third of America's youth now overweight or obese and almost 10 percent of infants and toddlers dangerously heavy." These statistics have huge consequences starting with increased health risks including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, increased risk of type two diabetes, and emotional effects. Obese children are at great risk of having self esteem problems leading to depression. This doesn't just apply to children though, adults have the same risk. Being obese affects their self esteem and even goes as far as whether they get a job or not, or whether they are confident enough to face the world every day. But obesity problems even go beyond this... the article states, "This goes way beyond fitting into our jeans or airline seats: the estimated annual cost of obesity in the United States is $147 billion. The problem even threatens our national security—being overweight is the No. 1 reason recruits are turned away from the military."The issue of obesity is affecting our country in more ways than we could have ever imagined and it's time to take action.
Food and drink companies are taking action, or at least they claim. More and more companies are changing the recipes of their foods and drinks to reduce the calories and make the food/drink 'healthier'. Here is the problem though, it has become more of a marketing strategy than a solution to the problem at hand. If different brands and companies don't claim to have made their product healthier, their competitors have a marketing advantage. While the food and drink industry is claiming to be doing something to fix the issue, the educational system is doing quit the opposite for our youth. Instead of promoting the kids to eat healthy and to exercise daily, gym classes are being cut, and only those who have satisfactory grades can participate in after school sports. Another issue arises with high school sports, only those top athletes can participate (junior varsity and varsity). So with reduced gym classes, and competitive after school sports participation, it is very difficult for kids to get the exercise they need. Not all families can afford private sport leagues or dance lessons for their kids.
The epedemic of obesity goes beyond the United States, and the US is being blamed for it. Fast food and the fast paced life style of the US has migrated to other parts of the world. The US is being blamed for this spread of obesity mainly because of the spread of fast food. Fast food is high in fats and low in nutrients. It is easier and more convenient to eat out and have fast food than to cook food. This has been a major contributor of obesity. Many fast food chains found outside of the US are US chains and that is why the US is being blamed. At this point though, the issue has grown to be beyond pointing fingers and giving each other the blame. A plan of action needs to be created and implemented. Time is running out!
http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2010/03/13/culture-of-corpulence.html
Firsthand foremost a thumbs up to mayor Bloomberg and the state of New Yorks Health department for taking matters into their on hands. The state of New York in the past has spend hundreds of millions of dollars on healthcare for patients with heart disease, type two diabetes etc.And it has been stated that these are all a result of obesity and being overweight. In a bid to curb this a new law was passed to restrict the size of sodas, sodas 16oz and biggest will not be sold. At least the state is taking action, even though they cannot control an individuals soda consumption.
ReplyDeleteThe Bogalusa heart study of Louisana confirms the harsh truths of poor diet on the cardiovascular system, the endocrine system etc. The study has traced individuals from childhood way into their adult years, and they found that most children who were obese in their childhood remained obese in adulthood. The study confirms coronary plaque builds up in children who are overweight. The study illustrates the direction in which the obesity pandemic is taking and it's toll on the healthcare delivery system.
Diet is an important component of lifestyle changes if this nation is to take action on obesity. According to the CDC,the majority of the nation will be obese in the next thirty years if no action is taken. These are future projections, however there is great need for public health awareness and education on food choices. Sodas are empty caloric foods, just sugar which may cause dental caries, foods made with saturated fats do more harm to the body than the pleasure they give to the tongue and eyes.
While people may blame the United States for introducing fast foods, it holds no value or water. Every nation as well as individual is at liberty to make a decision on how they want to eat.
In some cultures being overweight is a sign of prestige, so in such instances cultural perspectives need to be altered with education.