This WHO report is not recent, but it allows us to reflect on the causes of obesity, and some of the proposed solutions to address a social and health issue that advances throughout the world.
In 2010, around 40 million children under five were overweight in the world, and in our country the figures are not much more encouraging, since a year ago we already read the results of a study carried out by the Thao Foundation, in which the appearance of this disease in children from three years was noticed. The World Health Organization states that Obesity can be prevented, therefore the answer lies in ourselves, although it is clear that health authorities and industry must do their part: informing the former, and reducing the presence of sugars in their products the latter.
And it is that the fundamental cause of overweight / obesity is in an energy imbalance between calories consumed and spent
Main changes in the lifestyles that originate it
Nowadays we are already hearing about contaminants as one of the causes of overweight, but let's focus on those considered key factors:
Increase in hypercaloric food intake They are rich in fat, salt and sugars but poor in vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients.
Decrease in physical activity as a result of the increasingly sedentary nature of many forms of work, new modes of displacement and increasing urbanization.
'Often changes in eating habits and physical activity are the result of environmental and social changes associated with development and the lack of support policies in sectors such as health; farming; transport; urban planning; environment; food processing, distribution and marketing, and education '
In low- and middle-income countries, children are more likely to receive prenatal, infant and under-child nutrition. At the same time, they are exposed to hypercaloric foods rich in fat, sugar and salt and poor in micronutrients, which are usually inexpensive. These eating habits, together with poor physical activity, result in a sharp growth in childhood obesity, while the problems of malnutrition remain unresolved.
Whose responsibility is it to reduce the numbers of overweight and obesity?
Both are preventable, as well as the noncommunicable diseases to which they are associated (diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, etc.).
Individual responsibility
It is important limit energy intake from the total amount of fat, as well as sugars. It is advisable to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as legumes, whole grains and nuts.
We must be aware of the importance of periodically performing physical activity, and we will go to the achieve energy balance and a normal weight.
Social commitments
Make periodic physical activity and healthier eating habits economically affordable and easily accessible to everyone, particularly the poorest people.
The food industry can play an important role by reducing the fat, sugar and salt content of processed foods, and also implementing responsible marketing, which includes offering transparent information.
As a family, fathers and mothers have a lot to say, especially until the adolescence of our children (and later also, although not so intensely)First, let's be clear that childhood is the most appropriate time to consolidate nutritional practices, on the other hand, let's not forget that even when children have a tendency to 'eat too much' it is possible to regulate their diet. And finally, let's remember the importance of physical exercise, of placing it in our daily habits, and our family leisure practices, if we do, they may be less sedentary when they reach adolescence.
Images | hoyasmeg, Kevin Krejci Via | WHO On Peques and More | Obesity is the next objective of health campaigns, The evolution of obesity in the world and in Spain in the last 8 years
