Question

Why do you think that most Americans look at obesity as a result of individual failure? Globally, how have our lives and habits changed that may have contributed to the global epidemic? What is happening in societies seeing rising rates of obesity? Do you think the U.S. government should regulate or tax unhealthy food products? Should television ads that promote unhealthy foods for children be banned? What would you do to help prevent the continuing rise of global obesity?

Answer 1

Obesity: It is a serious, chronic disease that can have a negative effect on many systems in your body. Overweight and obesity may increase the risk of many health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, bone and joint disease.

Obesity in the United States:

The prevalence of obesity was 36.5% (crude estimate) among U.S. adults during 2011–2014. Overall, the prevalence of obesity among middle-aged adults aged 40–59 (40.2%) and older adults aged 60 and over (37.0%) was higher than among younger adults aged 20–39 (32.3%). No significant difference in prevalence was observed between middle-aged and older adults.

Men aged 40–59 (38.3%) had a higher prevalence of obesity than men aged 20–39 (30.3%). Women aged 40–59 (42.1%) had a higher prevalence of obesity than women aged 20–39 (34.4%). The prevalence of obesity among men and women aged 20–39 was lower than among men and women aged 60 and over, except the difference for men was not significant.

High obesity states in the USA:

On a state level obesity rates increased in four states (Colorado, Minnesota, Washington, and West Virginia), decreased in one state (Kansas), and remained stable in the rest. Mississippi has the highest rate of diabetes at 14.7 percent. Ten of the 12 states with the highest type 2 diabetes rates are in the South.

Extra tax on junk food:

I disagree with the above statement. To fight with obesity and heart disease, it is important to educate them. Obesity and heart disease are caused due to several factors and junk food, sodas and fast food is one of the factor. This decision taken by the government is affecting the poor people.Hence increasing tax on food items do not solely prevent someone from getting obese or affected by heart disease.

Obesity problem solving solution:

Nearly 78 million adults and 13 million children in the United States deal with the health and emotional effects of obesity every day. The solution to their problem sounds deceptively simple take in fewer calories a day, while cranking up the calorie burning process with regular exercise.

The food producing companies should be more specific when it comes to what is in the food, by writing on the package if there are large amounts of sugar or fat.

Policies to Prevent Obesity:

Strong state policies play a key role in improving access to healthy food and increase physical activities which are essential for promoting a healthy weight. This new feature tracks the status of each state's efforts on more than two dozen policies aimed at preventing obesity and supporting health.

1. The CDC Guide to Strategies to Increase Physical Activity in the Community

2. The CDC Guide to Strategies to Increase the Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables

3. The CDC Guide to Breastfeeding Interventions

4. Recommended Community Strategies and Measurements to Prevent Obesity in the United States

Globally Obesity Prevention:

in 2008, WHO developed a framework proposes that national governments demonstrate leadership and facilitate collaborative action in the implementation of policies and programmes to promote supportive environments for health. These actions are expected, in turn, to facilitate positive changes in diet and physical activity behaviours, with related health, social, environmental and economic outcomes.

In recent years, many public health professionals and community leaders have recognized the need for community involvement in preventing disease and promoting healthful lifestyles.

Community is a large or small, rural or urban, or termed a neighbourhood. It will inevitably comprise smaller relational networks (faith based organizations).

Ex: worksites, schools, government institutions, nonprofit, and voluntary organizations.