home
RSS
Study: World is getting fatter, needs to stop
August 25th, 2011
06:30 PM ET

Study: World is getting fatter, needs to stop

The problem of obesity is spreading around the world and poses serious health threats.  The finding is part of a new special report on obesity, and how to combat it in the medical journal the Lancet.   The editor, Dr. Richard Horton, calls obesity a pandemic, and said it is one of the “huge threats facing governments which are likely to derail all their best attempts to improve the health of their nations while at the same time controlling costs.”

Obesity Around the World
The first study says nearly 1.5 billion adults in the world are overweight, and half a billion more are obese.  Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) more than 30.  That’s equivalent to an adult who's 5 feet 6 inches weighing more than 185 pounds, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s BMI calculator. 

“It is occurring in just about all countries, apart from the lowest income countries,” says Professor Boyd Swinburn, with the World Health Organizations Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention in Melbourne, Australia.  “There is quite a lot of evidence now coming out that this is being driven by changes in the food system,” he says. “The food supply: increasingly processed, available, affordable and highly promoted tasty food.”

The Lancet report says that the obesity rates for different countries vary dramatically due to environmental factors in those countries.  For example, they found “traditionally high levels of active transport," specifically bicycling, in the Netherlands contributed to a lower rate.  Only 1 in 10 women there were categorized as obese, while high levels of car use in the U.S. contributed to obesity.  In the United States one in three women are rated as obese.

The authors believe that the most effective way to stop obesity is governmental policies, including things like banning unhealthy food for children, shifting agricultural policies to promote health.

The report  also said trade "liberalization"  is  contributing to "global overconsumption."  The authors say that these kinds of governmental changes can be easier to sustain and more effective than other options to reduce obesity, though, as Swindon says, “There seems much more a willingness to spend money in drugs and surgery and health promotion programs, which work much more downstream, than there is to deal with the underlying cause right upstream.”

The Future of Obesity
Obesity is on the increase, and nations who fail to stop it could face consequences, according to the second study included in the Lancet’s series.

The report says that  following current trends, there could be 65 million more obese adults in the U.S.  and 11 million more obese adults in the United Kingdom by 2030.  Obesity can cause diseases including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and certain forms of cancer.

"If these trends continue, by 2030 50% (of) U.S. Men and 45% to 52% (of) U.S. women will be obese,” says Dr. Y Claire Wang of the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, one of the authors of this study.

The report says that as obesity goes up, so will the amount of money spent treating people who suffer from it.  Wang adds, “In many cases being overweight at age 50 will not only double but actually triple or quadruple the incident rate for many diseases.”  In the next 20 years, the report concludes, obesity could result in   6–8.5 million cases of diabetes, 5.6–7.3 million cases of  cardiovascular diseases, and more than half a million new cancers in the U.S. and the United Kingdom.

Wang anticipates that by 2030 the cost to treat people for these diseases in the U.S. will be about $66 billion a year, and 2 billion pounds a year in the U.K.

A Better Model for Weight Loss
Another part of the Lancet’s special report looks at how people can lose weight.

Many recommendations for weight loss suggest that people will slowly and continuously lose weight if they cut 500 calories a day from their diet.  Dr. Kevin Hall of the U.S. National Institutes of Health says it doesn’t really work that way.  He put it bluntly: “Let me be very clear.  This is wrong.  This does not happen.”  Hall says it would be true if your metabolism didn’t change, but we know it does.

In his report, the team created a computer program that could eventually be used by clinicians to model weight loss.  Team members say their program is a more accurate model and accounts for initial body composition and changes in metabolism as you diet.  The computer’s predicted weight loss is significantly less than other formulas suggested, but the authors believe it’s much more realistic.

Governmental Action
The final report in the series says governments must take the initiative in battling obesity.

“Governments certainly need to lead obesity prevention," says author Steven Gortmaker of the Harvard School of Public Health,  "but… so far few have shown any leadership whatsoever.  We’ve let the market do its work and it’s worked well to produce obesity.”

The report includes suggestions for ways governments can implement policies that  it says will reduce obesity and save money.  Proposals include a tax on unhealthy foods and beverages, school programs to promote good nutrition and physical activity, and cutting junk food advertising.  Gortmaker compares these proposals to measures against smoking, saying,“Tobacco taxes were really fundamentally important in altering intake of tobacco and now we see them everywhere.”

Next month a meeting at the United Nations will address noncommunicable diseases, including obesity.  The authors of these studies called for the world to take action.


soundoff (618 Responses)
  1. Signe Caetano

    Greetings! I've been following your blog for some time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from New Caney Tx! Just wanted to say keep up the excellent work!

    https://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/PageRedirect.aspx?redirectedurl=https://khbvptr.vn/

    May 7, 2021 at 21:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. 먹튀

    I'd like to thank you for the efforts you've put in penning this site. I really hope to see the same high-grade content by you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my very own site now 😉

    https://classified.mybusinessadpost.com/user/profile/13985

    May 8, 2021 at 02:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. Best seo agency London | SEO Services - Digitex Technologies

    ROI Driven Best seo agency In london. Get results focused seo service in london from Digitex Technologies for Google, Bing SEO.

    https://www.digitextechnologies.com/seo-agency-london/

    May 8, 2021 at 05:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. buy chloroquine online

    chloroquine side effect https://chloroquineorigin.com/ cholorquine

    May 8, 2021 at 06:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. Cary Knocke

    I’ve been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thank you, I’ll try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your website?

    http://elink.io/9ba9af1

    May 8, 2021 at 12:56 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. Almeda Lyken

    Hello! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this write-up to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!

    http://courses.cs.tau.ac.il/0368-3458/forum/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=khbvptr

    May 8, 2021 at 21:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. Broderick Touch

    Hmm it looks like your website ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I'll just sum it up what I had written and say, I'm thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I'm still new to the whole thing. Do you have any points for first-time blog writers? I'd genuinely appreciate it.

    http://sc.hkeaa.edu.hk/TuniS/khbvptr.vn/

    May 9, 2021 at 10:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. 먹튀검증업체

    I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I am hoping to view the same high-grade content from you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own, personal website now 😉

    https://www.victoriaeducation.co.uk/members/baccarat4fighttv58/activity/404582/

    May 10, 2021 at 02:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. Maxwell Ranke

    I do not even know the way I finished up here, but I assumed this post was great. I don't recognise who you're but definitely you're going to a well-known blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!

    https://images.google.com.au/url?q=https://favro.com/organization/9c95001d84d8a042b667b06c/caae46b04db1ff89974bdf75

    May 10, 2021 at 12:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. 먹튀검증

    I really love your site.. Great colors & theme. Did you develop this website yourself? Please reply back as Iím hoping to create my own blog and want to find out where you got this from or exactly what the theme is named. Many thanks!

    https://git.mosaic.njaes.rutgers.edu/plainsphynx54

    May 10, 2021 at 22:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. Arlyne Claros

    I am constantly searching online for ideas that can benefit me. Thank you!

    https://images.google.dk/url?q=https://favro.com/organization/9c95001d84d8a042b667b06c/caae46b04db1ff89974bdf75

    May 11, 2021 at 02:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. 먹튀검증커뮤니티

    I love it when individuals come together and share opinions. Great website, stick with it!

    http://www.errorbase.net/user/s2kfmzn132

    May 11, 2021 at 12:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. find here

    What’s Happening i'm new to this, I stumbled upon this I've found It positively useful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & help other users like its aided me. Good job.

    http://thefinalscoreboard.com/news/st-paul-s-senior-services-ellen-schmeding-elected-chair-of-the-california-commission-on-aging/0293959/

    May 13, 2021 at 00:22 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. my latest blog post

    I'm still learning from you, but I'm making my way to the top as well. I certainly love reading everything that is posted on your blog.Keep the aarticles coming. I enjoyed it!

    https://www.cgmimm.com/arizona/mesa/legal/disability-help-group-arizona-mesa

    May 13, 2021 at 00:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. 사설토토

    Howdy, I do believe your site could be having internet browser compatibility issues. Whenever I take a look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Apart from that, wonderful website!

    https://www.pawer.global/members/casino2cornetshark72/activity/71101/

    May 13, 2021 at 18:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. Canlı Casino Oyna

    Özellikle son dönemlerde neredeyse her platformda ismi anılan, toplumun bir
    kesiminin gayet iyi bildiği fakat belirli bir kesimi ise
    konu hakkında neredeyse hiçbir fikri olmadığı bir
    konuyu, bu yazımızda sizler için masaya yatırıyoruz: Canlı Casino.
    Günümüz bahis sektörünün en önemli içeriklerinden olan canlı
    casino her ne kadar kartopu gibi giderek büyüyen bir
    pazara ve üye sayısına sahip olsa da bu konu hakkında yeteri kadar bilgi sahibi
    olup olmadığımız bir merak konusu.

    Canlı casino oyna

    May 13, 2021 at 23:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. Viski Fiyatları

    Artık fiyatları markete gidip sormanıza gerek yok! Bütün marketteki ürünlerin fiyatlarını, alkol fiyatlarını sitemiz
    üzerinden öğrenebilir en güncel fiyat garantisi ile
    rahatlıkla bilgi edinebilirsiniz. Türkiye'nin en güncel Viski Fiyatları , alkol fiyatları gibi bir çok çeşit alkolün bir çok çeşit market ürünlerinin fiyatlarını güncel olarak sitemiz üzerinden takip edebilirsiniz.

    Viski Fiyatları

    May 14, 2021 at 00:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. Oleta Kenne

    Its portable account sports a generous 15-liter capacity. It's custom-made for universities, co-working rooms, and anywhere else you need to maintain beverages, treats as well as other goodies chilled (or heated)!

    https://clck.ru/QNCAh

    May 14, 2021 at 00:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. takipçi satın al

    Woah! I'm really enjoying the template/theme of this site.
    It's simple, yet effective. A lot of times it's tough to get that "perfect balance" between user
    friendliness and visual appeal. I must say you have
    done a fantastic job with this. In addition, the blog loads very quick
    for me on Firefox. Exceptional Blog!

    May 14, 2021 at 07:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. 먹튀검증

    Greetings! Very useful advice within this article! It is the little changes which will make the biggest changes. Many thanks for sharing!

    http://forums.dollymarket.net/member.php?action=profile&uid=4211132

    May 14, 2021 at 12:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. 토토사이트

    I quite like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing for me to comment!

    https://coub.com/degreecloth7

    May 14, 2021 at 15:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. Taylor Adens

    Its portable profile sports a generous 15-liter capacity. It's custom-made for schools, co-working areas, as well as anywhere else you require to maintain drinks, snacks and various other goodies cooled (or heated)!

    https://independentpharmacy.co.za/eczema-would-you-consider-taking-a-bleach-bath/

    May 15, 2021 at 09:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. 먹튀검증

    Hi, I do believe this is an excellent blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I'm going to return yet again since i have bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.

    https://articlescad.com/round-craps-basics-963297.html

    May 15, 2021 at 13:56 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. xedienvietthanh

    wonderful points altogether, you just gained a brand new reader.

    What would you suggest in regards to your put up that you made some days ago?
    Any sure?

    May 16, 2021 at 10:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. 먹튀사이트

    I was able to find good information from your content.

    https://forums.bestbuy.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/1080222

    May 16, 2021 at 11:56 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. 사설토토

    An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I do think that you need to publish more about this subject, it may not be a taboo subject but usually folks don't talk about such subjects. To the next! Cheers!!

    https://forum.mesign.com/index.php?action=profile;area=forumprofile;u=515599

    May 16, 2021 at 13:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. stornobrzinol

    Hi there I am so delighted I found your weblog, I really found you by accident, while I was searching on Yahoo for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say thanks for a tremendous post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the awesome work.

    http://www.stornobrzinol.com/

    May 16, 2021 at 17:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. xedienvietthanh

    I am sure this piece of writing has touched all the internet viewers,
    its really really fastidious paragraph on building up new weblog.

    May 17, 2021 at 01:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. 메이저사이트

    A motivating discussion is definitely worth comment. I do believe that you ought to publish more about this issue, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people do not speak about such subjects. To the next! All the best!!

    https://www.indiaolx.com/user/profile/322160

    May 17, 2021 at 12:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. 먹튀검증

    This is a topic which is near to my heart... Cheers! Where are your contact details though?

    https://todosobrelaesquizofrenia.com/Redirect/?url=https://casinosethqlsp.bloggersdelight.dk/2021/04/23/buzzwords-debuzzed-10-other-ways-to-say-meogtwigeomjeung/

    May 17, 2021 at 13:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. manifestation magic reviews

    In order to learn more about manifestation magic you
    can click: https://sites.google.com/view/manifestation-magic-reviews-

    The video is showing manifestation magic but also try
    to cover the following subject:

    –manifestation magic reviews

    -does manifestation magic really work

    -manifestation magic auto tracks

    Hello, always i used to check webpage posts here in the early hours in the break of day, since i love to find out
    more and more.

    May 17, 2021 at 22:59 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. 먹튀검증업체

    Aw, this was an exceptionally nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to create a very good articleÖ but what can I sayÖ I procrastinate a lot and never seem to get nearly anything done.

    http://hindibookmark.com/story9261481/what-is-the-real-advantage-of-taking-part-in-holdem-poker

    May 18, 2021 at 05:01 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. 메이저사이트

    You've made some decent points there. I checked on the net to learn more about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this website.

    https://www.yankee-bookmarkings.win/the-13-best-pinterest-boards-for-learning-about-saseoltoto

    May 18, 2021 at 07:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. Best CBD Lube

    Very few writers with appropriate knowledge of the subjects they cover.

    https://philadelphiaweekly.com/10-best-cbd-lubes-to-buy-in-2021/

    May 18, 2021 at 13:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. vista clear reviews

    I've been browsing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours.

    It is pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all website owners and bloggers
    made good content as you did, the web will be much more useful than ever before.vista clear reviews

    May 18, 2021 at 22:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. 사설토토

    Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thank you, However I am experiencing difficulties with your RSS. I donít know the reason why I am unable to join it. Is there anyone else getting the same RSS issues? Anyone who knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanks!!

    https://cults3d.com/fr/utilisateurs/degreeflame2

    May 19, 2021 at 06:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. 먹튀검증업체

    Excellent post! We will be linking to this particularly great article on our site. Keep up the great writing.

    http://2ch-ranking.net/redirect.php?url=http://www.authorstream.com/casino1v0gzhgm504/

    May 19, 2021 at 07:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. www.telescopicladders.xyz

    Greetings! I've been following your weblog for a while
    now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Atascocita Tx!
    Just wanted to tell you keep up the fantastic work!

    May 19, 2021 at 13:30 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. pendik evden eve nakliyat

    Evden eve nakliyat araştırmaların ilk olarak belirlenen kriter taşımanın maliyeti olmaktadır.
    Bu bağlamda nakliyatta fiyatlandırmalar,

    Taşınacak olan eşyanın miktarı, Hem eski hem
    de yeni evin bulunduğu kat, Eşyaların maddi değeri, Eşyaların taşınma yöntemi,
    Gidilecek yerin uzaklığı üzerinde yapılmaktadır.
    Araştırmalar sadece fiyat üzerinden yapıldığında ilave maliyetler ortaya çıkmaktadır.
    Bu nedenle fiyatlandırma kapsamında firmaların sunmuş
    oldukları hizmetin kalitesini araştırmak gerekmektedir.
    Bu şekilde taşınmakta olan eşyalar için ilave maliyet oluşmamaktadır.

    pendik evden eve nakliyat

    May 19, 2021 at 18:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. https://sites.google.com/view/manifestation-magic-reviews-/manifestation-magic-real-reviews-are-you-prepared-for-a-good-thing

    Great article! That is the kind of info that are supposed to be shared across the web.
    Shame on Google for now not positioning this post higher!
    Come on over and seek advice from my site . Thanks =)https://sites.google.com/view/manifestation-magic-reviews-/manifestation-magic-program-reviews-manifestation-magic-audio-tracks

    May 19, 2021 at 20:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. CBD for Dogs

    I like the way you have actually ended this post ...

    https://www.sfgate.com/cannabis-paid/article/best-cbd-oil-for-dogs-15812674.php

    May 20, 2021 at 02:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. 먹튀검증

    Your style is so unique compared to other folks I have read stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I'll just bookmark this site.

    https://fest-news.kiev.ua/user/bakerynovel87/

    May 20, 2021 at 14:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. 사설토토

    There is certainly a lot to find out about this subject. I really like all the points you've made.

    https://writeablog.net/baccarat2waxsharon14/what-can-problem-gambling-do-to-your-loved-one

    May 20, 2021 at 17:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. 먹튀사이트

    You've made some good points there. I checked on the net to find out more about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this website.

    https://chemhoaqua.com/diendan/profile.php?section=personality&id=351006

    May 21, 2021 at 07:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. 사설토토

    Great post. I will be experiencing a few of these issues as well..

    https://articlescad.com/baccarat-odds-962864.html

    May 21, 2021 at 12:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. these details

    It’s really a nice and helpful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

    http://www.localnoggins.com/node/126542

    May 21, 2021 at 21:39 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. 메이저사이트

    I like it whenever people come together and share views. Great blog, stick with it!

    http://radiorespect.com.ua/user/casino6x4syxbp352

    May 21, 2021 at 23:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. casino r

    Throughout this awesome design of things you'll get a B+ just for effort and hard work. Where you actually misplaced me was first on the facts. You know, it is said, the devil is in the details... And it could not be more true here. Having said that, let me inform you just what exactly did give good results. Your writing can be really convincing and that is probably why I am taking the effort in order to opine. I do not really make it a regular habit of doing that. Next, despite the fact that I can see a leaps in reasoning you make, I am not confident of exactly how you appear to unite the ideas which inturn produce your final result. For now I will, no doubt yield to your issue however hope in the near future you connect your facts much better.

    https://www.behance.net/gallery/102906121/LinkW88moinhat-chia-s-lien-kt-W88-mi-nht

    May 22, 2021 at 01:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. Savanna Bidner

    Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is wonderful, as well as the content!

    https://maps.google.com.pr/url?q=https://topvnbet.com/happyluke/

    May 22, 2021 at 03:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. 먹튀검증커뮤니티

    A fascinating discussion is definitely worth comment. I believe that you need to write more about this issue, it may not be a taboo subject but typically folks don't talk about such issues. To the next! Cheers!!

    https://devushkamrabota.ru/user/profile/2155

    May 22, 2021 at 04:45 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Leave a Reply to www.milestoneapply.com pre approved


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.