We have discussed the spectrum of malnutrition. Obesity and undernutrition are, ironically enough,
both concerns of the world. Obesity has
become a pandemic in all honestly. One
issue we face with obesity is viewing it as a disease. I do not believe this is
accurate. Obesity should be categorized
more as state of being than a disease. This
being said, it is definitely a risk factor for other diseases. I was required to read an article called Fat Britain. This article went into detail about how the “Americanized”
United Kingdom is becoming obese. I
think part of addressing obesity is looking at the nutrition of the people it
is affecting. It is become apparent that
countries with the “Western diet” are more often the obese countries. A Western diet includes lots of animal-source
protein and fatty oils. I am not
suggesting we eliminate these types of food completely. That is both largely unrealistic and people
would rebel. Look at what happened when
large soda pop beverages were threatened in New York! People went ballistic when a soda tax was
suggested and it was an ineffective solution.
I suggest that we concern ourselves more with better educating people to
indulge in moderation. You can have
potato chips, but not with every meal. Another
factor to consider is the biology behind obesity. My mother had gestational diabetes when she
was pregnant with me. Because of this,
my body is more inclined to store fat. That
is only part of the obesity equation, but it is part I feel is too often
overlooked. Living in the age of
technology is also contributing to obesity because of the sedentary lifestyle
it allows us. What do you think would be
the best way to get this health education to people? Should there be more restrictions on “junk”
food? I would love to see your opinions!
·
Cohen,
Roger. "Fat Britain." The New York Times (2014).
Hi Erin!
ReplyDeleteActually, I was thinking to write about obesity this week!
Double Burden of malnutrition has both aspects of under nutrition and obesity. Both are considered as public health threat that should be combated. Although, it is controversial, I actually have a reservation about not considering obesity as a disease. American Medical Association's 2013 "Council on Science and Public Health Report" identified three criteria to define disease, which are 1. "an impairment of the normal functioning of some aspect of the body;" 2. "having characteristic signs and symptoms;" and 3. "causing harm or morbidity.". Obesity meets all the three criteria. I do not deny, of course, obesity as being a major risk factor for other serious diseases which is a major way of intervention.
I believe that obesity is one of the serious outcomes of globalization and widespread of the western food, technological facilities and sedentary behavior. Although, it was originally the disease of developed countries, due to world cohesion and globalization, it spread to developing ones and became a global health issue.
From my point of view, combating obesity should be on multi levels. In fact, it is a huge topic to be targeted! I will give some examples about what I think. Public policy should be a major way by working on eliminating food desserts and increasing access and availability of healthy food. I believe also in policies and legislation that require restaurants to meet certain percentages of healthy food and restrict junk food. These steps should go side by side with cultural, community and individual levels interventions. Education and counseling about healthy, available and affordable food choices and the hazards of technological aids in addition to the need to shift from sedentary behaviors to a more active lifestyles should also considered.
American Medical Association House of Delegates, "Recognition of Obesity as a Disease," http://www.npr.org/documents/2013/jun/ama-resolution-obesity.pdf
Salma, you gave so many great suggestions! I agree that obesity should be approached from multiple levels. I agree with you Erin in that I think obesity due (in part) to genetic factors is largely overlooked. I have a stomach disease that prevents me from gaining weight quickly, and people see me as too thin. This is completely because of a pre-existing condition, but people always try to blame it on my eating habits. The same concept could be applied to obesity. Sure, I could eat more and be uncomfortable, and someone who is obese could eat less and also be uncomfortable, but the only real way to solve the secondary condition is to treat the primary condition.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your questions, I have always wondered about placing higher restrictions on junk food... Strict guidelines for fast food chains, school cafeterias, and other eateries could help people control their diet when they can’t control it themselves perhaps? The soda tax had a lot of lash back, but Obama’s new guideline for fast food chains to display their calorie content of each item did not so much. I think it is a matter of balance, and finding education/restrictions that are gentle versus aggressive.