Obesity has a significant impact on the healthcare system. Since the twentieth century, the health industry has been worried by the high levels of obesity and super-obesity. Obesity is one of the leading causes of high mortality rates in the world today. Figure 1 below shows the distribution of obesity among adults globally.
Figure 1: Distribution of obesity among adults across the world (Ritchie & Roser, 2017).
Why are People Obese?
Obesity is caused by overconsumption of high amounts of fats, sugars, and energy-giving foods without burning off the energy by regular exercise and physical activity. Obesity can also be caused by drinking too much alcohol, overeating, drinking sugary drinks injudiciously, and comfort eating (NHS, 2019). Additionally, obesity can also be caused by genetic influences. More than 400 different types of genes have been known to cause Obesity (Harvard Health Publishing, 2019). Genes may contribute to the prevalence of obesity in many ways, especially by altering satiety, appetite, and body-fat distribution (Harvard Health Publishing, 2019).
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The Problems with Obesity?
Obesity is associated with several risks and health complications. First, obesity lowers the quality of life and leads to psychological problems, such as low self-esteem and depression (NHS, 2019). Additionally, obesity increases the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and increased levels of triglycerides. Additionally, obesity is also associated with other health conditions such as varicose veins and skin problems caused by accumulated moisture in the skin and gallstones (Harvard Health Publishing, 2019).
What About the Health Industry?
Obesity is a major epidemiological challenge that the healthcare industry faces today. The healthcare system alone cannot handle the problem of obesity. However, healthcare providers can always encourage obese individuals to embrace healthy lifestyle choices.
How is the Health Industry Solving the Problem of Obesity?
Hospitals, clinics, and related health care settings support healthy changes by promoting healthy environments to the individuals affected by obesity. Some of the healthy changes recommended by hospitals and clinics include shunning fast foods, regular eating habits, and eating more wholesome foods. Doctors and healthcare workers are at the forefront in helping people to make healthy choices in every facet of life. Additionally, healthcare providers are coming up with innovative health programs adapted to be instituted widely in the community to sponsor and support prevention efforts. Some of these efforts include providing healthy meals in schools, organizing exercising events, and educating policymakers. (Harvard School of Public Health, 2020).
Is it Supply and Demand?
There are no clear research findings on how obese individuals' brains organize supply and demand during stress. However, there is evidence that the brain may demand more energy than average during psychological stress to satisfy the body's increased needs for obese individuals (Kubera et al., 2012). More research shows that obese individuals demand more fat and protein during psychological stress than normal-weight individuals. This research evidence compounds the problems and risks associated with obesity (Kubera et al., 2012).
Who is to Blame for the Problems today with obesity?
The lifestyle of individuals is mostly to blame for the increasing cases of obesity in society. While there are external causes of obesity, poor diet choices are significant causes of obesity and super-obesity. Additionally, policymakers and local organizations also contribute to the problem of obesity. There should be policies to regulate the quantity of fats and cholesterol in fast foods.
Is the Problem Solved? Or Can it be Solved?
The problem of obesity is not yet solved. Figure 2 below shows the projected rise of obesity among adults by 2030. However, obesity is preventable. By taking less processed and sugary foods, regular exercising, obesity can be prevented. Additionally, reducing daily stress will trigger the brain to change the eating patterns and reduce the cravings for high-calorie foods.
Figure 2: The projected rise of obesity among adults by 2030 (Vasquez, 2020).
Where Do We Go From Here?
There is no single solution to the epidemic of obesity. Obesity is a complicated problem that requires a multi-faceted approach. The government, individuals, local organizations, businesses, policymakers, and healthcare professionals must work together to create environments that support healthy lifestyles.
References
Harvard Health Publishing (2019, June 24). Why people become overweight. Harvard Medical School. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/why-people-become-overweight Harvard School of Public Health (2020). Obesity prevention source. HSPH. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-prevention/healthcare/healthcare-obesity-prevention-recommendations-complete-list/ Kubera, B., Hubold, C., Zug, S., Wischnath, H., Wilhelm, I., Hallschmid, M & Peters, A. (2012). The brain's supply and demand in obesity. Frontiers in Neuroenergetics, 4(4), 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnene.2012.00004 NHS. (2019). Obesity. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/causes/ Ritchie, H., & Roser, M. (2017). Obesity. Our World In Data.https://ourworldindata.org/obesity Vasquez, J. (2020, January 6). Obesity in America, in 6 charts. Advisory Board. https://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/2020/01/06/obesity-charts
