Global Obesity

Global obesity is as much an epidemic throughout the world as it is in America. Internationally more than 22 million children under 5 are overweight. Developing countries have seen a rise in obesity of children as they adapt to western lifestyles and behaviors. In some cases the child obesity rate has surpassed the rate in America, which have doubled in recent decades.

the growth of the global obesity from early childhood to adolescence affects all racial and ethnic groups. Studies in the U.S. shows that nearly 8% of children aged between 4 and 5 are overweight. Global obesity in children affects girls more than boys. As a fact, over the past 20 years overweight young girls has doubled, while the increase in boys was less than 25%. Interestingly, the same research showed that children aged 6 nearly doubled for boys and girls. Besides the weight is highest among Mexican-American children after non-Hispanic black children and non-Latino white children. In the United States alone the number of preschool children who are considered overweight has nearly 22%, and those who are obese 10% of these numbers have been increasing since 1983, when the numbers were 18.6% and 8.5 %.

Global obesity in industrialized countries are finding similar results. In Japan, for example, between 1974 and 1983 children aged between 6 and 14 have seen a rise in obesity of 5% to 10%. Developing countries obesity rates are also growing steadily, and in some cases are so malnourished rates. For example: South Africa's child obesity rate is higher than 8% and malnourished by 7%, South America, which is historically known for malnourished and underweight are now reports of almost 5% of preschool children as overweight and malnourished, and only 1.8% , East Asia-school weight 4.3% and 3.4% malnourished. Child obesity rates in some countries have surpassed those in the U.S., such as Argentina, Egypt, Jamaica, Malawi, Nigeria, Peru, Qatar, Uzbekistan, and South Africa. It seems clear that the global obesity in children is no longer a western issue. Now there is in all industrialized countries and some developing countries. Case in point: Seychelles (middle income island state in the Indian Ocean), which is in rapid economic growth, reports 13.5% boys and 18.6% of girls and overweight boys and 5.2%, 6.2% of girls obese . The figures in the Seychelles are high or higher than those in some developed countries. Developing countries are realizing the need to adjust their priorities for public health in order to combat childhood obesity. There is a need for programs and policies aimed at promoting physical activity and healthy nutrition in countries in transition.

Who is to blame for the Westernization of the global obesity? Some would like to blame McDonald's. Ever since they opened their first restaurant outside the United States (1967 Canada), child obesity rate has increased. It was only several years later that made ​​their way to the UK and Japan. Fast food is one of the causes of global obesity. Modernized inventions, such as computers and video games, and their popularity have contributed to a sedentary lifestyle. Of course, the combination is a perfect recipe for weight gain. Parents must take responsibility by setting a good example and promote a healthier environment.

Obesity is an epidemic that has serious personal and social consequences. Parents, governments and local communities must take responsibility for identifying problems.

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