Introduction
Obesity is a global epidemic. It affects the developed and developing economies of the world. The World Health Organization (Obesity, 2000) confirmed the global epidemic nature of the disease when reports indicated that its effects were seen not only in Europe and America but also in underdeveloped countries such as China, Thailand, and Mexico. The disease has alarmingly affected all strata of society, rich and poor. Industrialization is believed to be a major cause of the growth of obesity. The highest impact of industrialization can be seen in the globalization and marketing of food production (Caballero, 2007).
Fast food and beverage formulas such as cokes and sodas can now be created in one part of the world and sold in any country at cheap prices. In her report, Wade accounts for the high rate of deaths due to the intake of sweet beverages. She states that more than half of the deaths related to the intake of sodas and beverages are in the underdeveloped and developing nations of the world (CNN, March 19, para. 12).
Defining Obesity
Obesity is defined as excess body weight due to the accumulation of fat or adipose tissue (Caballero, 2007). Obesity occurs due to extra gain in body mass from the intake of unhealthy foods and lack of exercise. When the ratio of the dietary energy intake is greater than the energy spent, the body begins to gain weight. With the consumption and storage of high-energy foods, the body accumulates energy in the form of fats or adipose tissue. This increases weight, causing individuals to be overweight or obese. This condition is called obesity. Obesity causes disease of the heart, eyes, and teeth, diabetes, and cancer (Wilkinson & Marmot, 2003, p. 26).
Sweetened Drinks and Obesity: Statistics
Obesity is a primary cause of major body illnesses. The side effects of consuming sweetened beverages are common knowledge. With fast foods and beverages becoming a rage, the average calorie intake has drastically increased. According to Wade, (CNN, March 19, para. 3) America is the third-highest nation in the world for deaths related to obesity caused due to sugary drinks. Wade points out that nations with a higher percentage intake of sweetened beverages have higher death rates related to diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Refined sugar is among the major contributors to the total calorie intake (Caballero, 2007). These are easily available in the form of soda drinks and beverages. These beverages and sweetened sodas are loaded with artificial sweeteners which are extremely harmful to health. A regular 12-ounce soda bottle supplies as much as 10 teaspoons of sugar, equivalent to one hundred and forty calories.
Chronic Diseases resulting from Obesity: Research
Sweetened beverages are known to cause several harmful health issues, primary among them being obesity, a major cause of several diseases. Interestingly, the onset of chronic diseases began with economic growth which brought about serious changes in nutritional intake with trends shifting towards foods that were rich in fats and sugars resulting in greater obesity (Wilkinson & Marmot, 2003, p. 26). Research confirms that excess body weight is one of the primary hazards to health causing serious diseases like cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and heart-related ailments (Caballero, 2007).
Caballero (2007) elucidates that excess weight and obesity result from an imbalance in energy consumption through food. The high levels of calorie intake from sweetened beverages amount to 200 calories per day, way above the normal intake of 100 for women and 150 for men is responsible for high rates of obesity in the United States (Caballero, 2007).
Research further indicates that there is a stark increase in calories largely due to the consumption of aerated drinks and beverages, which now account for 25% of daily intake of energy among the younger generation (Rajeshwari et al., 2005). Energy from aerated drinks and sweetened sodas is devoid of any nutritional value as compared to healthier calorie intake from healthy and nutritional foods such as fruits and vegetables. The ease and availability of foods of low nutritional value are seen as a primary cause of increasing rates of obesity in the United States, which is also the main cause of all obesity-related chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
Conclusion
In the newspaper report, Wade suggests obesity is a disease that causes other serious chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular ailments. Reports and studies confirm that intake of empty high calories foods and beverages poses a great health risk and is a major cause of obesity. Caballero’s research (2007) points out that the primary cause of obesity is the consumption of high-density energy foods, rich in artificial sugars, mainly beverages, and aerated drinks. Research and studies assert the association between consumption of high energy drinks and diseases such as obesity, cancer, and diabetes (Wilkinson & Marmot, 2003). Since these foods are easily available to the general populace, intake of these drinks is high, resulting in extremely severe health conditions.
References
Caballero, B. (2007). The global epidemic of obesity: An overview. Epidemiologic Review, 29, 1–5.
Popkin B. M., & Gordon-Larsen P. (2004). The nutrition transition: worldwide obesity dynamics and their determinants. Int J. Obes Relat Metab Disord, 28, 2–9.
Rajeshwari, R., Yang, S. J. & Nicklas, T. A. Et al. (2005). Secular trends in children’s sweetened-beverage consumption (1973 to 1994): the Bogalusa Heart Study. J Am Diet Assoc, 105, 208–14.
Wilkinson, R. & Marmot, M. (Eds.) (2003). Social determinants of health: The solid facts (2nd Ed.). Web.
Obesity: preventing and managing the global epidemic. Report of a WHO Consultation. (2000). World Health Organization. ;894:i-xii, 1-253.