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Health and Exercise

Author: alejandro sanchez

Overweight kids in America

The video shows and explores the big impact of overweight kids in America. It explains in detail some of the reasons how America is affected by this problem and gives some examples on how to solve it.

Source: Magee, Mike “Overweight Kids in America” YouTube. October 19, 2006. May 19, 2014.

What causes overweight and obesity?

http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult/causes/index.html

Environment

People may make decisions based on their environment or community. For example, a person may choose not to walk to the store or to work because of a lack of sidewalks. Community, home, child care, school, health care, and workplace settings can all influence people's health decisions. Therefore, it is important to create environments in these locations that make it easier to engage in physical activity and eat a healthy diet.Environment

How do genes affect obesity?

Science shows that genetics plays a role in obesity. Genes can directly cause obesity in disorders such as Bardet-Biedl syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome.

However genes do not always predict future health. Genes and behavior may both be needed for a person to be overweight. In some cases multiple genes may increase one's susceptibility for obesity and require outside factors; such as abundant food supply or little physical activity.

Other Factors

Diseases and Drugs
Some illnesses may lead to obesity or weight gain. These may include Cushing's disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Drugs such as steroids and some antidepressants may also cause weight gain.

What are the consequences of overweight and obesity?
Health Consequences

Research has shown that as weight increases to reach the levels referred to as "overweight" and "obesity,"* the risks for the following conditions also increases:1

    Coronary heart disease
    Type 2 diabetes
    Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
    Hypertension (high blood pressure)
    Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
    Stroke
    Liver and Gallbladder disease
    Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
    Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
    Gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility)

Source: "Causes and Consequences." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Apr. 2012. Web. 18 May 2014.

Solutions to Obesity

http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/82/1/259S.full

ROLE OF THE CONSUMER

Consumers are the most important player in the solution to the obesity epidemic because they make individualized choices about food and lifestyle. As stated by Philipson in this symposium (16), if the consumer can be influenced with comprehensible nutrition information and a variety of healthy food choices, perhaps individuals can begin to address weight gain on a personal level. In addition to cultural and psychological influences, four motivators have been identified that affect consumer decisions: taste, quality, convenience, and price.

ROLE OF THE FOOD INDUSTRY

The food industry should help the consumer make healthy food choices. Food manufacturers are sensitive to consumer tastes and expectations. Industry should be committed to giving clear, consistent, and honest product claims, as well as working with retailers and restaurants to offer consumers relevant information about the products they purchase.

ROLE OF THE GOVERNMENT

The government can help educate consumers to make healthier choices through food labeling, physical activity endorsement, and the support of community-based programs. The food industry should cooperate with the government to guarantee the production and availability of low-calorie, nutritious foods.

IN CONCLUSION

To help fight the battle against obesity, the food industry must team up with the government, academia, and the medical community to help inform consumers, strengthen nutrition education, and develop healthier product choices. ConAgra aims to work in concert with these groups to continue providing consumers with a range of healthy food options.

 

Source: Am, Clin J. "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Solutions to Obesity: Perspectives from the Food Industry. ConAgra Foods Inc, Omaha, NE, July 2005. Web. 19 May 2014.