Summary
A health care approach to developing community interventions to avoid unnecessary weight gain is of considerable significance and has been proposed recently. The creation and enforcement of preventive measures should prioritize factors that contribute to obesity, and address challenges to lifestyle change at the individual, environmental, social, and economic stages. These measures should also engage various kinds of participants and other interested parties. Avoiding disease is always a better option than looking for a cure. In prevention, one has an opportunity to limit or increase things and actions to foster health. Some of the preventative methods are free of charge and readily available at home. However, obesity seems to be a more significant concern globally, with eighteen percent of the United States citizens being obese (Morshed et al., 2019). Obesity is characterized by a high percentage of body fats, with a BMI of 30 and higher being an indicator of obesity (Morshed et al., 2019). Therefore, people should be advised to adhere to a proper and healthy diet to protect against the disorder.
Effects of Obesity and its Prevention
First, to prevent obesity, one will need to alter the nutritional setting in such a way as to make healthier decisions. Changing and promoting higher physical activity rates and minimizing sedentary behaviors are also central goals of prevention strategies. Moreover, obesity can be avoided and reduced using the most economical ways, such as walking, running, and general exercises, which burn the extra body fats, reducing weight. Secondly, individuals can lessen or avert the condition by eating a small proportion of food and, most importantly, reducing starchy, sugary, and fatty foods (Christensen et al., 2018). Additionally, the government can regulate policies to guide food producers to reduce obesity-causing nutrition aspects before they reach consumers.
Obesity affects individuals, communities, and the health care system in various ways. It results in the rise of weight caused by the buildup in the fatty tissue, causing compression on inner body organs, resulting in chronic medical issues such as diabetes which is Type 2, high blood pressure, esophagitis, as well as chronic obstructive respiratory sickness, among others (Morshed et al., 2019). Weight gain also prevents individuals from performing simple tasks at home. Correspondingly, being heavier affects some individuals psychologically, and many develop esteem issues. Communities lose talents and labor when people succumb to chronic health problems resulting from obesity. Families also lose money while taking care of their loved ones who may never recover. Hospitals spent excessively investing in medical equipment to take care of obese patients, and Clinicians have a hard time handling these patients, especially in regard to the movement (Christensen et al., 2018). Mental health departments are also affected by body image, causing pressure and depression in obese persons.
Different Ways People Spend Money on Obesity
With everyone concerned about weight and looks, the dieting and fitness industries have gained momentum in the US with $70 billion. However, dieters’ percentage has decreased due to growth in body size awareness and body positivity movement (Christensen et al., 2018). Moreover, do-it-yourself initiatives are still plentiful as customers use available diet & fitness applications. Approximately forty-five million Americans die annually, and people spend thirty-three billion dollars a year on weight-loss goods (Christensen et al., 2018). Therefore, many people spent their finances in gyms, hiring exercise instructors, and nutritionists, purchasing healthy foods, and opting for surgical methods. However, the overhead costs can be reduced through simple physical activities like walking, measuring food portions, and avoiding fats and sugars (Christensen et al., 2018). Drinking plenty of water is also a home remedy for reducing calories in the body.
References
Christensen, L., Roager, H. M., Astrup, A., & Hjorth, M. F. (2018). Microbial enterotypes in personalized nutrition and obesity management. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 108(4), 645-651.
Morshed, A. B., Kasman, M., Heuberger, B., Hammond, R. A., & Hovmand, P. S. (2019). A systematic review of system dynamics and agent-based obesity models: Evaluating obesity as part of the global syndemic.Obesity Reviews, 20, 161-178.