Public Health: Overweight/Obesity
Struggling with weight is one of the most serious health problems faced by the American Public. According to the Guide to Community Preventive Services (2003), more than half of the adult American population is overweight or obese. Indeed, studies have shown that weight problems begin with habits formed during childhood and youth. These habits are cultivated both in the home, in the workplace and in the school community. Education is therefore of primary importance.
For this reason, several preventive measures have been implemented and studied for their effectiveness. In schools, several programs have for example been implemented to cultivate healthier eating and fitness habits in young children. The programs are managed by specially trained personnel, who promote healthy habits by means of "fun" activities both in the home and school.
In the workplace, programs have been incorporated in a multi-functional paradigm: combination of education, increased physical activity, and healthier nutritional habits has resulted in promising short-term results. The problem is however that results appear less promising in the long-term. The most effective period for weight loss occurs during the first six months, whereas weight gain once again appears after this time.
While it is a good idea to implement school and work-based programs, commercial giants such as KFC and Macdonald's make it very difficult to sustain healthy nutrition and weight loss. Advertising that tends to focus on the pleasure of eating unhealthy foods is one of the great culprits promoting obesity in the United States. Perhaps food addictions could be fought more effectively by similar means. The media could be used to promote healthy habits and curb unhealthy ones in terms of fast foods. This technique has shown promising results in smoking and could also prove useful in the food industry.
Source
Guide to Community Preventive Services (2003, January 3). Overweight/Obesity. www.thecommunityguide.org/obesity
