Obesity and chronic disease (Epi Exam4)

Facts about chronic disease

7 out of 10 deaths in the US. Heart disease and stroke cause 50% of deaths. 133 million Americans (1 out of 2 adults) has one chronic illness. 1/4 of people with chronic conditions have one or more daily activity limitations. Arthritis is the most common cause of disability (19 million Americans). Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease and blindness among adults.

Modifiable risk factors for chronic disease

>1/3 of Americans don't get recommended physical exercise. Less than 24% of people eat 4-5 servings of fruits and vegetables.

The WHO definition of obesity, overweight.

BMI greater than or equal to 25 is overweight BMI greater than or equal to 30 is obesity.

Consequences of obesity

Cardiovascular diseases (mainly heart disease and stroke), which were the leading cause of death in 2008; diabetes; musculoskeletal disorders (especially osteoarthritis - a highly disabling degenerative disease of the joints); some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon).

What has caused increases in rates of obesity?

Changes in dietary and physical activity patterns are often the result of environmental and societal changes associated with development and lack of supportive policies in sectors such as health, agriculture, transport, urban planning, environment, food processing, distribution, marketing and education.

Consequences of obesity for children

Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death and disability in adulthood. But in addition to increased future risks, obese children experience breathing difficulties, increased risk of fractures, hypertension, early markers of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and psychological effects.

The double burden of disease caused by obesity.

Many low- and middle-income countries are facing this. While they continue to deal with the problems of infectious disease and under-nutrition, they are experiencing a rapid upsurge in noncommunicable disease risk factors such as obesity and overweight, particularly in urban settings. It is not uncommon to find under-nutrition and obesity existing side-by-side within the same country, the same community and the same household. Children in low- and middle-income countries are more vulnerable to inadequate pre-natal, infant and young child nutrition At the same time, they are exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, energy-dense, micronutrient-poor foods, which tend to be lower in cost. These dietary patterns in conjunction with low levels of physical activity, result in sharp increases in childhood obesity while under nutrition issues remain unsolved.

Facts about obesity

Obesity is preventable. Worldwide obesity has more than doubled since 1980. Nearly 43 million children under the age of five were overweight in 2010. Overall, more than 1/10 of the world's adult population was obese.

Deaths from obesity

Overweight and obesity are linked to more deaths worldwide than underweight. For example, 65% of the world's population live in countries where overweight and obesity kill more people than underweight (this includes all high-income and most middle-income countries).

Ways to reduce obesity at the individual level

People can: limit energy intake from total fats, increase consumption of fruit and vegetables, as well as legumes, whole grains and nuts; limit the intake of sugars; engage in regular physical activity; achieve energy balance and a healthy weight.

Ways the food industry can help reduce obesity

Reducing the fat, sugar and salt content of processed foods; ensuring that healthy and nutritious choices are available and affordable to all consumers; practicing responsible marketing and supporting regular physical activity practice in the workplace.

Ways to reduce obesity at the societal level

Support individuals in following nutritional recommendations, through sustained political commitment and the collaboration of many public and private stakeholders; make regular physical activity and healthier dietary patterns affordable and easily accessible too all - especially the poorest individuals.