Obesity in Children and Adults is Becoming a Worldwide Problem

Obesity is a problem not only in America but all over the world. There is a new word for this called “Globesity,” a global escalation of obesity. This is a growing epidemic around the world and millions will suffer from serious weight related diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) obesity is the biggest unrecognized health problem in the world. This is not a Western or wealthy nation problem anymore. Overweight and obesity is in many low and middle-income countries.
Childhood obesity is an ever-growing problem in countries such as Africa, Egypt, Zambia, Morocco, Chile, Peru and Mexico. WHO estimated in 2004 that 1 in 10 school children world-wide are overweight. Type two diabetes was unheard of in children 20 years ago, but is a common problem now. In some parts of Africa fatness and obesity afflicts more children than malnutrition. AIDS, commonly know as “the slims disease,” is causing an unusual backlash there. People seek to put on weight to demonstrate that they do not have AIDS. Most of the cause for obesity in children is inactivity and poor diet in schools.
People are living less active lifestyles by moving from farms to the city. They are not educated enough about nutrition and the body and continue to eat more calories than the body can burn off. The extra calories are then stored in the form of fat on a person. Also the types of foods that are eaten can contribute to obesity and overweight.
Obesity and overweight can lead to many diseases. It’s not just an appearance problem. Being overweight or obese is unhealthy. It can lead to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, osteoarthritis, gallbladder disease, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, depression and low self-esteem.
It is never too late to do something about obesity. Simply cut portions down, change from eating junk food, refined flours and processed foods to fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads, cut the use of butter, margarine and oil down to a minimum. Start doing some exercise even if it’s 15 minutes a day a few days a week. When at home do some exercises on the floor to tone up those muscles.
By Barbara Delgiudice