Obesity, Health, and Healthcare:
A Public Health Brief of the Obesity Epidemic
Kristen Alexandre
University of South Florida
Obesity, Health, and Healthcare:
A Public Health Brief of the Obesity Epidemic
Obesity is one of the most visibly obvious issues seen worldwide, and unfortunately it is one of the most neglected issues of public health. It is a common health issue that can be found among both adults and children, and its prevalence continues to increase each year. As obesity continues to increase rapidly, the world is forced to acknowledge the epidemic and it must now develop specialized strategies and programs to keep the condition under control. The main purpose of this public health issue brief is to examine the physical, mental, …show more content…
Americas childhood obesity rate has tripled in the last century, and a public health report states that “obesity is one of the most challenging public health problems we face as a nation. More than 32% of American adults are obese and more than 17% of children and adolescents are overweight” (Lee, Sheer, Lopez, & Rosenbaum, 2010, p. 596). America, however, is not the only country suffering from the obesity epidemic, the condition can also be seen making waves in Europe, Germany, and Australia. Vasanti S. Malik explains that “the worldwide increase in obesity and related chronic diseases has largely been driven by global trade liberalization, economic growth and rapid urbanization. These factors continue to fuel dramatic changes in living environments, diets, and lifestyles in ways that promote positive energy balance” (Malik, Willett, & Hu, 2012, p. 13). Obese children are more likely to suffer from health complications, and these problems can potentially become worse if carried into adulthood. Possible health outcomes associated with the issue of obesity are diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, cancer, and sleep apnea. Severe cases of …show more content…
Nutritional changes that occur in low and middle income countries are important because they are a result of the increase of food establishments in the environment. However, these foods typically come in the form of fat, proteins, refined grains, and added sugar. This change in addition to low physical activity contributes to the obesity epidemic. Fast food and junk food manufacturers are only allowing undernutrition and obesity to exist simultaneously. Prevention strategies must be coordinated with the government and other significant agencies in order to influence behavioral change and lower the obesity
A Public Health Brief of the Obesity Epidemic
Kristen Alexandre
University of South Florida
Obesity, Health, and Healthcare:
A Public Health Brief of the Obesity Epidemic
Obesity is one of the most visibly obvious issues seen worldwide, and unfortunately it is one of the most neglected issues of public health. It is a common health issue that can be found among both adults and children, and its prevalence continues to increase each year. As obesity continues to increase rapidly, the world is forced to acknowledge the epidemic and it must now develop specialized strategies and programs to keep the condition under control. The main purpose of this public health issue brief is to examine the physical, mental, …show more content…
Americas childhood obesity rate has tripled in the last century, and a public health report states that “obesity is one of the most challenging public health problems we face as a nation. More than 32% of American adults are obese and more than 17% of children and adolescents are overweight” (Lee, Sheer, Lopez, & Rosenbaum, 2010, p. 596). America, however, is not the only country suffering from the obesity epidemic, the condition can also be seen making waves in Europe, Germany, and Australia. Vasanti S. Malik explains that “the worldwide increase in obesity and related chronic diseases has largely been driven by global trade liberalization, economic growth and rapid urbanization. These factors continue to fuel dramatic changes in living environments, diets, and lifestyles in ways that promote positive energy balance” (Malik, Willett, & Hu, 2012, p. 13). Obese children are more likely to suffer from health complications, and these problems can potentially become worse if carried into adulthood. Possible health outcomes associated with the issue of obesity are diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, cancer, and sleep apnea. Severe cases of …show more content…
Nutritional changes that occur in low and middle income countries are important because they are a result of the increase of food establishments in the environment. However, these foods typically come in the form of fat, proteins, refined grains, and added sugar. This change in addition to low physical activity contributes to the obesity epidemic. Fast food and junk food manufacturers are only allowing undernutrition and obesity to exist simultaneously. Prevention strategies must be coordinated with the government and other significant agencies in order to influence behavioral change and lower the obesity