Blog #1 (Health/Disease)

"Global governments must get tough on obesity."

Amber Kocher

2:01 am 9/2/11

Researchers and experts all agree that the issue of obesity is getting worse, and more prevalent.  They expect percentages to rise in the near future, specifically in the UK and the United States.  They expect the Rate in the UK to rise from 25% to 40% by 2030, and for it to change from 1 in 3 to 1 in 2 in the US.  The debate is on who is responsible for taking control and leading the society in a better direction.  The individual vs. industry is a part of it.  Also many believe that the government needs to become more strongly involved, and have more regulations, such as taxing junk foods, limiting advertising.  Especially discouraging youth from unhealthy choices and lifestyles, and providing aid in schools and directly to families.  A lot of people don’t want the government to be more involved than they already are.  Another issue is that according to the article, more people are willing to invest time and money into more drastic answers, rather than dealing with the issue itself and its underlying origins.  Some suggest surgeries and drugs, rather than stopping the lifestyle from being available altogether, and giving people more healthy choices and environments. 

I think this issue is something tied into many facets of social problems, not just health.  Our economy is something that incorporates less quality for less money.  We can go to a fast food restaurant and get a meal for under 5 dollars, but you can’t get a head of lettuce or broccoli to feed a family for that much.  We lower the quality of our food to make it less expensive, and these corporations that produce this lower quality product, generally control the markets.  Eating organically and healthy is a wonderful thing if you can afford it, but most Americans and even countries in Europe can’t in our current economic crisis.  I don’t have the answer as to whose responsibility it is and what the right way to handle the problem, but I think the best way to handle this problem is start in the schools.  A lot of programs are already in place and awareness is becoming more common.  Educating children about diet and exercise, and removing unhealthy options is a great place to start. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-14669203