The World Health Organization calls it “one of today’s most blatantly visible yet most neglected public health problems.” It isn’t undernutrition, heart disease, or cancer. Instead, it’s obesity—a complex condition with serious social and psychological dimensions and an issue that affects people of virtually all ages and socioeconomic groups from developed and developing countries alike.
Around 2.5 billion adults are overweight, and around 890 million are living with obesity. Adult obesity has more than doubled over the past three decades, while obesity rates among children and teens have risen even more dramatically. The solution to this problem isn’t easy or quick. Instead, it begins by recognizing the multifaceted causes of obesity.
The Drivers Behind the Obesity Epidemic
To understand why obesity rates have risen so dramatically, it pays to examine statistics from different countries. In the US, for instance, the prevalence of obesity stands at over 40% among adults. UK obesity rates are higher than ever, with NHS Digital reporting that the adult obesity rate stands at 29%.
Statistics are similar in many other parts of the world, with research indicating that the top causes of obesity include unhealthy diets (often comprising fast foods that are high in saturated fat and sugar), physical inactivity (150 minutes of moderate-intensity movement plus two strength sessions are recommended per week), and social and economic inequalities.
Numerous studies have shown that factors such as job type, income level, and educational background can all influence obesity risks, with those facing greater socioeconomic challenges experiencing higher rates.
Imposing Taxes on Unhealthy Foods
The WHO recommends that countries impose taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages as part of a comprehensive approach to reducing rates of non-communicable diseases. Large-scale, randomized studies have shown that increasing consumption of these drinks increases the risk of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and poor dental health.
By the same token, these taxes are linked to lower sales of unhealthy beverages and to positive health gains over time. Currently, many countries have embraced this measure, including various European countries, the UAE, and the US. Governments can consider extending this tax to other foods known to be high in calories or to be associated with obesity, especially in children.
Regulating Food-Focused Marketing and Advertising Initiatives
Because obesity is a rising risk among children and adolescents, it is essential to restrict the marketing of foods that are high in sugar, salt, and fat. Several countries have been taking steps in the right direction. Chile, for instance, introduced a law requiring front-of-package warning labels for foods that are high in calories, sugar, salt, and saturated fats. These foods are not allowed to be sold in schools, nor are they permitted to be advertised to children under 14.
The UK also has statutory restrictions on the advertising of foods that are high in fat, sugar, and salt during children’s television programming. Canada and Norway have taken it a step further, banning all forms of commercial food marketing to children rather than focusing on specific foods. As of mid-2023, around 60 countries have adopted policies restricting food marketing to children.
Manufacturing Healthier Foods
Governments and private enterprises alike must concentrate on helping families access healthier foods. Governments can set more stringent procurement standards and limit the amount of unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt that make their way into our foods. They can also provide incentives to manufacturers that reformulate products that pose obesity risks.
Chile is once again an excellent example of what government commitment looks like. Law No. 20.606 sets maximum levels of calories, salt, sugar, and saturated fats for foods. By forcing manufacturers to label foods as “high in” unhealthy ingredients, the government incentivizes them to reformulate products so they can avoid these labels.
Keeping Populations Active
Exercise and a healthy diet can help obese people shed excess weight and help those at a healthy weight stay that way. To boost activity among populations, urban planning must support walkability and cycling. Access to green spaces, such as parks, can also increase citizens’ opportunities to get active in the great outdoors without paying exorbitant gym prices.
To truly tackle obesity at its roots, it is vital to combine measures, including education. Promoting awareness of the impact of obesity can encourage adults and children alike to embrace a more active lifestyle.
Obesity is a growing problem affecting adults and children worldwide. To combat the issue, governments must embrace various measures, including imposing taxes on unhealthy foods. They must also work to raise awareness of the health impacts of obesity and provide citizens with green spaces where they can improve their physical and mental health without incurring additional expenses.
This article was written for WHN by Bri Burton, who is a talented wordsmith, an avid blogger, and a health advocate.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN neither agrees nor disagrees with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
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