Discuss the impact of obesity on people s health and the strategies adopted to manage the condition

Discuss the impact of obesity on people’s health and the strategies adopted to manage the condition (15marker)

Obesity is a condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to such an extent that health may be negatively affected. It is commonly defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. This distinguishes it from being overweight as defined by a BMI of 25 or higher.

More than 60% of adults in the USA are overweight or obese. Triple width coffins capable of holding 300kg bodies are increasing in demand. Airline seats are increasing, as is payload weight. There are 70 million overweight people in China with the South Pacific Islands leading the obesity rates.

Many low and middle-income countries are facing the double burden of infectious disease and malnutrition on one hand and obesity and overweight on the other. Inadequate prenatal, infant causes this and childhood nutrition followed by lack of physical activity and exposure to high fat, energy dense, poor foods.

Overweight and obesity, as well as their related chronic diseases, are largely preventable. At an individual level, people can: Achieve a healthy weight by reducing calorie intake and exercising more
Limit energy intake from fats and shift fat consumption from saturated to unsaturated fats
Increase consumption of fruit and vegetables, as well as legumes, whole grains and nuts
Limit the intake of sugars
Increase physical activity – at least 30 minutes of regular, moderate-intensity activity on most days. More activity may be required for weight
Loss. The implementation of these recommendations requires sustained political commitment. Governments, NGOs and the private sector have vital oles to play in shaping healthy environments and making healthier diet options affordable and accessible. This is especially important for the most vulnerable in society - poor people and the environments in which they live.