Over a billion people now affected by obesity worldwide, comprehensive analysis shows
A groundbreaking analysis published in The Lancet has highlighted a concerning milestone in global health: the number of children, adolescents, and adults living with obesity worldwide has exceeded one billion. This significant finding marks a shift in the nutritional challenges faced globally, with obesity now surpassing undernutrition as the predominant form of malnutrition in the majority of countries.
This detailed examination of global data reveals a stark increase in obesity rates among the world’s youth in 2022, which are now four times higher than they were in 1990. For adults, the increase is equally alarming, with obesity rates more than doubling for women and nearly tripling for men. Specifically, the analysis found that 159 million children and adolescents, along with 879 million adults, were living with obesity in 2022.
Simultaneously, the study reports a decline in the prevalence of underweight individuals since 1990, indicating progress in one area of malnutrition but highlighting the growing concern of obesity. Professor Majid Ezzati of Imperial College London, a leading figure in the study, expressed grave concerns about the obesity epidemic’s expansion into younger demographics and stressed the importance of improving access to healthy, nutritious foods to combat both obesity and undernutrition.
The study, a collaborative effort between the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), analysed weight and height measurements from over 220 million people aged five years and older across more than 190 countries. This extensive data collection aimed to trace the evolution of obesity and underweight from 1990 to 2022, using Body Mass Index (BMI) as a key measure.
The findings reveal a dramatic rise in obesity rates globally, with significant increases observed in nearly all countries examined. In parallel, there has been a notable decline in underweight rates, shifting the focus of nutritional health challenges.
Regionally, the study provides detailed insights into the prevalence of obesity and underweight. For instance, in Polynesia and Micronesia, as well as in the Caribbean and the Middle East and North Africa, obesity rates have surged, surpassing those in many high-income industrialised countries, particularly in Europe. Specifically, Tonga and American Samoa reported the highest prevalence of obesity among women, while American Samoa and Nauru topped the list for men.
In contrast, the United Kingdom saw its obesity rates climb from 13.8% to 28.3% for women and from 10.7% to 26.9% for men between 1990 and 2022. Similarly, the United States experienced a significant increase in obesity rates, with women’s rates jumping from 21.2% to 43.8% and men’s from 16.9% to 41.6% over the same period.
China and India also witnessed notable increases in obesity rates, albeit from lower baselines. China’s obesity rates rose from 2.0% to 7.8% for women and from 0.8% to 8.9% for men, while India saw increases from 1.2% to 9.8% for women and from 0.5% to 5.4% for men.
Despite these increases, the study also highlighted countries where underweight remains a significant concern, with Eritrea and Timor-Leste for women, and Eritrea and Ethiopia for men, recording the highest prevalence of underweight in 2022.
The study underscores the complex global challenge of addressing both obesity and undernutrition, emphasising the need for comprehensive policy measures and international cooperation to tackle these issues effectively. Despite limitations, such as the imperfect nature of BMI as a measure and variable data availability, the analysis provides a crucial overview of global nutritional trends, highlighting the urgent need for action to create a healthier global population.
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UK government criticised for delaying vital anti-obesity policies, endangering children’s health
A recent independent report, commissioned by the UK government, has highlighted the severe risks posed to children’s health in England due to the postponement of crucial anti-obesity measures until 2025. The report underscores the grave consequences of this policy inaction, with children facing an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other severe health issues.
The report points out that ultra-processed foods (UPF) and products high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) have become alarmingly commonplace in children’s diets. This trend is particularly pronounced among lower-income families, who often find it challenging to limit these unhealthy foods. The delay in implementing measures such as the proposed 9pm watershed for junk food advertising and the ban on online ads and unhealthy buy-one-get-one-free deals is exacerbating the issue.
City, University of London, which undertook the government-commissioned research, found that UPFs, along with fatty, sugary, and salty foods, have become a standard component of children’s diets. The report reveals that access to healthy foods like fruits and vegetables is increasingly difficult for many families, especially those with lower incomes. Consequently, children are at a heightened risk of developing long-term health problems, including type 2 diabetes.
The research suggests that families with higher incomes are in a better position to maintain a healthier diet for their children, often avoiding retail environments that promote unhealthy food choices. In contrast, lower-income families find themselves reliant on multi-buy deals and promotions for UPFs, making these unhealthy options appear more economical.
The report’s authors urgently call for the introduction of shelved anti-obesity measures to reduce the appeal of UPF and HFSS and improve access to healthier food alternatives. Recommended actions include expanding access to Healthy Start vouchers, ensuring a living wage that covers the cost of a healthy diet, incorporating fruit and vegetable education in schools, and stricter regulation of misleading health claims on food packaging.
Dr Paul Coleman, one of the study’s authors and a former honorary senior research fellow at City, expressed concern over the early introduction of UPFs in children’s diets. He highlighted the lasting impact these dietary patterns can have into adulthood and their link to serious health outcomes later in life.
Childhood obesity is a significant public health challenge in England, with statistics showing that two in five children leave primary school with overweight or obesity. This puts them at a higher risk of chronic illnesses, mental health problems, and a reduced lifespan.
Katharine Jenner, director of the Obesity Health Alliance, emphasised the urgency for government intervention. She pointed out that parents on low incomes often find it economically risky to purchase healthier foods, such as whole fruits, for their children.
The report also notes that healthier snacks are, on average, three times more expensive per calorie than less healthy options, further complicating the choice for low-income families.
In response, a government spokesperson cited initiatives such as the distribution of fruit and vegetables to school children and voluntary sugar reduction programmes. They also mentioned new calorie labelling requirements in restaurants, cafes, and takeaways, and restrictions on the placement of less healthy products in shops and online to curb impulsive unhealthy purchases. However, these measures fall short of the comprehensive policy action called for in the report.
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NHS reports over 3,000 daily admissions linked to obesity
NHS figures have alarmingly revealed that hospital admissions related to obesity in the UK have doubled in the past six years, now exceeding 3,000 cases daily. This alarming statistic underscores the growing weight problem in the UK, with obesity increasingly exacerbating illnesses and complicating treatments for a diverse group of patients, including expectant mothers, arthritis sufferers, and cancer patients. Notably, hospital admissions due to obesity now outnumber those linked to smoking by threefold. Furthermore, over 20 children are admitted each day due to obesity-related issues, a figure that has also seen a significant rise in recent years.
Government ministers are facing criticism for their perceived inaction on a problem that is not only detrimentally impacting public health but also stunting economic progress. This is after the government decided to postpone stringent anti-obesity measures. The impact of obesity is disproportionately felt in poorer areas, where hospital admissions are twice as likely compared to the wealthiest regions, thus impeding efforts to rejuvenate the labour market.
Luton, in particular, has emerged as the area in England most affected by health issues related to obesity, with one in every 20 residents admitted to hospital due to weight-related problems last year. This rate is more than tenfold higher than that in Bracknell Forest, which recorded the lowest rate.
Recent data estimates the annual cost of obesity to the UK economy at a staggering £98 billion, encompassing both NHS treatment costs of £19 billion and economic productivity losses amounting to £15 billion. NHS Digital’s latest figures for England reveal a record 1.2 million admissions where obesity was a factor in 2022-23, a significant increase from 617,000 in 2016-17. These admissions include cases where obesity was the primary reason for hospitalisation, often for bariatric surgery, as well as numerous instances where obesity was a secondary diagnosis, either contributing to hospital stays or complicating treatments.
Among those most affected are pregnant women, with 147,143 maternity admissions where obesity was a complicating factor for either the mother or child. Other conditions such as arthritis, gallstones, breast cancer, heart disease, and general pain also contributed to more than 10,000 admissions annually.
Daisy Cooper, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, criticised the government for missing multiple opportunities to foster a healthier living environment in the UK. She stressed that investing in public health would alleviate the burden on the NHS and bolster the economy by enabling more people to work.
The figures reveal a concerning trend among the younger population, with 8,261 admissions among under-16s, a significant increase from 4,062 in 2016-17. In the ten most deprived areas, there were 3,393 admissions per 100,000 people for obesity, more than double the rate in the wealthiest tenth.
Areas such as Gloucestershire, Southampton, Salford, Rotherham, Bradford, and much of east London have recorded rates above 4,000 per 100,000 people. In contrast, Bracknell Forest reported a rate of 420 per 100,000, with Windsor, Wokingham, Slough, Oxfordshire, Reading, and Brighton all reporting rates below 1,000.
In response to its high obesity rate, Luton has recently implemented a ban on advertising unhealthy food on council-owned properties. The rise in obesity-related admissions is partly attributed to increased medical awareness of the conditions excess weight can cause. However, local differences in how obesity is recorded also influence these statistics.
Victoria Atkins, the Health Secretary, has expressed a preference for focusing on healthy-living advice over measures she has termed “nanny-statish”, a stance that has disappointed health campaigners. Cooper has called for the revival of delayed plans for a 9pm watershed on junk food advertising and a ban on buy-one-get-one-free deals on unhealthy food. She also advocated for increased funding for public health initiatives at the council level.
Admissions for weight-loss surgery have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, with 5,099 admissions last year compared to over 6,000 five years ago. This decline in admissions where obesity is the primary reason is attributed to pressures on the NHS.
Despite this, 638 children under 16 were admitted primarily for obesity, nearly matching pre-pandemic figures. In response to these concerning trends, a government spokesman highlighted measures like compulsory calorie labelling and healthy food vouchers for low-income households. The spokesman emphasised the government’s commitment to tackling obesity across all socio-economic groups and in deprived areas, recognising it as a major cause of cancer.
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UK’s obesity challenge: Learning from Japan’s effective approach
In Japan, a unique festive tradition involving Colonel Sanders statues dressed as Santa Claus outside KFC branches marks the start of the Christmas season. This tradition, a result of a marketing strategy from the 1970s, has become a cultural phenomenon, with millions participating in the “KFC Special Christmas Dinner”. This period is significant for KFC Japan, contributing to a substantial portion of their annual sales.
This contrasts sharply with the UK, where traditional home-cooked Christmas dinners are preferred. However, the issue for the UK lies in the dietary habits adopted for the rest of the year. The British tendency towards unhealthy eating has led to an escalating obesity crisis, now costing the economy almost £100 billion annually and impacting productivity far more than previously estimated.
The report by the Tony Blair Institute indicates a worrying trend: two-thirds of the UK’s population are either overweight or have obesity, a figure that has risen by around 11% since 1993. The economic impact of obesity, including healthcare costs and reduced productivity, is projected to increase by an additional £10 billion in the next 15 years. Henry Dimbleby, the government’s former food advisor, highlights the dire consequences of this trend. He points out that by 2035, the costs of treating Type 2 diabetes alone could surpass the current expenditure on all cancer treatments within the NHS.
Comparatively, Japan stands out with one of the lowest obesity rates among developed nations, a mere 4%. This has not always been the case. In the 1960s, Japan was considered one of the least healthy countries in the G7, with a diet heavily reliant on cheap US food imports post-World War II. However, over the following decades, Japan underwent a dramatic cultural shift concerning food, resulting in the world’s highest life expectancy. This transformation demonstrates that obesity is an addressable issue, requiring a change in cultural attitudes towards food rather than reliance on medication.
In Japan, the “bukatsudō” programme plays a pivotal role in promoting physical activity among schoolchildren. This initiative, coupled with the provision of healthier school meals, has contributed to Japan’s low obesity rates among children. In contrast, recent NHS figures show concerning trends in the UK, with significant percentages of children categorised as having overweight or obesity from a young age.
The traditional Japanese diet, which includes fresh fish, small portions of meat, tofu, and vegetables, is inherently healthier than typical Western diets. Andrew Kojima, a celebrity chef, suggests that the UK could benefit from adopting Japanese dining philosophies such as eating until only 80% full and ensuring a variety of colours and types of food in meals.
In Japan, there is a lesser emphasis on snacking and takeaway food compared to the UK. The quality of institutional food in Japan is also notably healthier. Dimbleby recalls a stay in a Tokyo hospital, where meals included healthy options such as pickles, rice porridge, grilled fish, miso soup, and steamed vegetables. He argues that such changes are feasible in the UK without significantly increasing budgets.
Dimbleby’s charity, Chefs in Schools, aims to improve the quality of school meals across England and advocates for an inspection regime similar to Ofsted for school dinners. Another potential strategy is adapting Japan’s “metabo” law, which mandates waistline measurements for citizens aged 40 to 74, with counselling and incentives for those who do not meet the standards. This approach could be implemented in the UK through voluntary annual health checks in workplaces.
Despite the need for action, the UK government has shown reluctance to intervene effectively. The National Food Strategy’s recommendations have been largely overlooked, and proposed anti-obesity measures like junk food deal bans and advertising restrictions have been delayed. Campaigners are calling for the sugar tax on soft drinks to be extended, but there is little movement from the government.
The lack of government intervention and the influence of corporations promoting high-calorie foods mean the UK continues to struggle with an obesity crisis. As the report highlights, Britain urgently needs to adopt successful strategies like those in Japan to address both the public health and economic challenges posed by obesity.
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UK’s obesity epidemic costs economy almost £100 billion per year
Britain is grappling with an obesity crisis that is inflicting a staggering economic toll of nearly £100 billion annually, as per a comprehensive report by the Tony Blair Institute. This figure, highlighted in a report published by The Times, indicates that the impact of obesity on national productivity is far more severe than previously estimated, being ninefold higher.
The financial implications are forecasted to escalate by an additional £10 billion over the coming 15 years. This total cost, inclusive of the £63 billion attributed to shorter life spans and compromised health due to obesity, equates to roughly 4% of the nation’s GDP.
Henry Dimbleby, the former government advisor on food, is advocating for stringent measures akin to those applied to tobacco, targeting junk food. He warns that without decisive action, Britain risks becoming a nation burdened by illness and economic decline. Dimbleby is poised to highlight these concerns in a speech at a Royal Society conference, stressing the potential strain on the NHS and consequent economic stagnation.
Amid these warnings, the government has postponed initiatives like the 9pm junk food advertising watershed and restrictions on promotional deals for unhealthy food products until 2025. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins has expressed a desire to offer health guidance in a non-patronising manner.
A Department of Health spokesperson reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling obesity, pointing to initiatives like food-labelling standards, investment in school sports, and healthy food vouchers for underprivileged families.
Hermione Dace from the Tony Blair Institute underscored the critical link between the nation’s health and its economic prosperity, calling for a revamped approach to promote healthier food options and discourage the profitability of ultra-processed and junk food.
The obesity epidemic has intensified, with two-thirds of British adults now classified as having overweight or obesity, a significant rise from half a generation ago. Notably, the average weights of British men and women have increased by 6kg and 5kg, respectively, since 1993.
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CDC reports nearly half of US states have over 35% of adults living with obesity
Obesity continues to extend its grasp across an increasing number of states in the US, as recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) underscores. According to the fresh batch of information, as of 2022, a minimum of 35% of the adult population in 22 states was categorised as having obesity. This signifies a growth from the 19 states documented in 2021.
Drawing a comparison to a decade prior, the CDC highlighted that no state had reported an adult obesity prevalence of 35% or above, underlining a troubling upward trajectory.
This data has been gleaned from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a meticulously conducted interview survey collaboratively administered by the CDC along with state health departments. The criteria for obesity was a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above, as ascertained through the survey.
Three states bore the brunt of obesity with more than 40% of their adult populace having obesity—Louisiana, Oklahoma, and West Virginia. The list further includes Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin, all having an obesity prevalence of at least 35% among adults.
An in-depth examination of the 2022 Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps divulges certain demographic groups being disproportionately affected by obesity, with discernible discrepancies across racial and ethnic lines.
The data revealed that a minimum of 35% of American Indian or Alaska Native adults had obesity in 33 states, alongside black adults in 38 states, Hispanic adults in 32 states, while the corresponding figure for white adults stood at 14 states. Notably, the obesity rates among Asian adults did not cross the 35% threshold in any state.
Karen Hacker, MD, MPH, who helms the CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, articulated the dire need for enhanced support directed towards obesity prevention and treatment, terming it an “urgent priority”. She elaborated on the multifaceted nature of obesity, being influenced by a gamut of factors including dietary habits, physical activity levels, sleep patterns, genetic factors, and certain medications.
Dr. Hacker emphasised that the solution doesn’t adhere to a one-size-fits-all approach, but acknowledged the effectiveness of certain key strategies like addressing core social determinants of health. These include better access to healthcare, the availability of healthy and affordable food, and safe venues for engaging in physical activity.
The CDC’s 2022 maps accentuate the necessity for population-centric interventions to ensure universal access to healthy foods, safe exercising environments, stigma-free obesity prevention and treatment initiatives, alongside evidence-backed healthcare services encompassing medication and surgery.
The repercussions of obesity extend beyond the societal stigma, with individuals suffering from obesity being at an escalated risk for severe health conditions like heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, deteriorated mental health, and aggravated repercussions from COVID-19, as per CDC’s observations.
In a bid to combat this escalating obesity epidemic, the CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity is propelling a slew of proven strategies at the state and local levels. These strategies encompass making physical activity safer and more accessible, facilitating healthier food choices, promoting breastfeeding, fortifying obesity prevention standards in early care and education settings, and augmenting the availability and access to family healthy weight programs.
The CDC has been vociferous in endorsing supportive environments for healthy eating and active lifestyles across various settings. Among the suggested preventative strategies are increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, encouraging breastfeeding, embracing physical activity, averting sedentary lifestyles, and minimising screen time, all of which are projected to play a vital role in reversing the obesity trend sweeping the nation.
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Student’s bad eating habits could herald lifelong illness
Recent research emerging from UBC Okanagan delivers a stern warning: the unhealthy eating habits fostered during one’s university tenure could set the stage for a lifetime mired in significant health challenges, including obesity, respiratory ailments, and depression.
The caution comes from Dr. Joan Bottorff, a distinguished Professor affiliated with UBCO’s School of Nursing, who is part of a global team of investigators delving into the dietary habits of university attendees. The extensive study encapsulated the dietary patterns of nearly 12,000 medical scholars from a total of 31 universities located in China, striving to decipher the correlation between dietary behaviours, obesity, and a gamut of diseases.
Dr. Bottorff emphasised the crucial fact that the foundations for many unhealthy eating patterns are laid during the university phase and could persist for a substantial duration of an individual’s life.
“There’s a considerable amount of data that outlines how the consumption of high-calorie meals and sugar-laden foods and beverages by many students during this period can be a precursor to obesity,” Dr. Bottorff stated. While she acknowledged that these aren’t the sole contributing factors to obesity, they are significant and warrant attention.
The groundbreaking study, which recently graced the pages of Preventive Medicine Reports, was spearheaded by Dr. Shihui Peng from the School of Medicine at Jinan University in China. Although prior research robustly associates unhealthy diets with numerous chronic diseases, this particular inquiry aimed to unveil the link between poor dietary habits and infectious diseases, including common colds and diarrhoea.
Dr. Bottorff highlighted that while the structure of the study didn’t allow for a cause-effect demonstration, the association between unsound eating habits, obesity, and respiratory diseases was robustly substantiated.
She further brought to light the biomedical research backing the nexus between obesity and infectious diseases, a linkage further spotlighted amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Bottorff explained, “Recent studies concerning COVID-19 reveal a tendency of individuals with obesity experiencing severe symptoms and outcomes, with explanations pointing towards compromised breathing due to excess weight and subpar inflammatory and immune responses.”
The quintessence of the problem, as per Dr. Bottorff, is rooted in the high-sugar, high-calorie dietary routine embraced by many students, which potentially morphs into a long-term plight, as these habits could segue into obesity. Moreover, she noted a vicious cycle where stress and anxiety could trigger overeating, which in turn could lead to further stress and depression.
She underscores the importance of not overlooking this perilous trend among university-goers, where a substantial fraction is known to indulge in unhealthy diets. “The nutritional quality of the food they consume is directly tied to obesity, which opens the gates to a host of other health issues extending beyond chronic diseases to infectious diseases,” she reiterated.
Dr. Bottorff recommends a university-wide initiative where students are educated on the principles of healthy eating. Additionally, she stresses the imperative for institutions to shoulder the responsibility of offering healthy and affordable food alternatives to the entire student body.
Reflecting on the matter, Dr. Bottorff advocated for a thorough examination of the food environment presented to students, ensuring that cafeterias and vending machines are stocked with healthy food choices. The collaborative effort between UBC Student Wellness and Food Services is a move in the right direction, addressing food security and literacy to mitigate the adverse impact of unaffordable food options and university-induced stress on students’ dietary choices.
Students facing food insecurity now have the recourse of a low-barrier food bank and a meal share program. Concurrently, the culinary team at UBCO Food Services, working in tandem with a registered dietitian, has been prioritising locally sourced, organic, and sustainably produced ingredients to diversify the food options available.
Encouraged by the progress, especially with healthier choices being more accessible in cafeterias and the reorganisation of vending machine items to place healthier options at eye level, Dr. Bottorff acknowledges the strides taken by many post-secondary institutions in addressing these issues. “The momentum gathered over the last four or five years is heartening,” she remarked, “It’s a positive deviation from the past, although there’s still a long journey ahead to fully tackle this issue.”
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Prolonged consumption of artificial sweeteners could elevate obesity risks, study finds
A recent study has established a concerning connection between long-term intake of artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharin, as well as diet sodas, and an augmented risk of obesity. The findings were featured in the International Journal of Obesity, following an extensive examination of the relationships between the consumption of these substances and a variety of health parameters.
Undertaken as part of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) initiative, the research embraced a diverse participant group of 5,115 individuals, comprising both black and white men and women. The focal point of the study was to dissect the potential relationships between artificial sweetener and diet beverage consumption and the volumes of visceral adipose tissue (AT), intermuscular AT, and subcutaneous AT, while accounting for demographic factors and lifestyle elements such as total caloric intake and adherence to healthy eating guidelines.
Over a span of 25 years, 3,088 individuals — including 869 black women, 867 white women, 590 black men, and 762 white men aged between 18 and 30 at the onset — were rigorously examined, with their dietary intakes tracked at intervals of the inception, the 7th year, and the 20th year. This meticulous approach allowed for a nuanced breakdown of aspartame and saccharin consumption patterns across quintiles and tertiles, respectively.
Drawing a strong parallel between heightened artificial sweetener intake and expanded volumes of all three types of AT assessed — visceral, subcutaneous, and intermuscular — the study spotlighted worrying trends. Individuals in the uppermost quintile of aspartame consumption demonstrated greater AT volumes in comparison to those in the lowest quintile. Furthermore, higher aspartame intake was associated with pronounced increases in body mass index (BMI), weight, and waist circumference throughout the quarter-century follow-up period.
Similar trends were observed in saccharin consumption, with the highest tertile group reporting up to 14% higher subcutaneous AT alongside substantial augmentations in BMI, weight, and waist circumference. The consumption of diet beverages mirrored these patterns, revealing significant escalations in AT volumes and BMI in those indulging more frequently in these drinks.
Although sucralose intake depicted an upward trajectory in BMI and weight, it remained distinct by not showing a noticeable impact on AT volumes or anthropometric changes over the long-term period studied.
This seminal study foregrounded the alarming implications of prolonged artificial sweetener intake, connecting higher consumption levels with a substantial upswing in obesity risks — with the upper quintiles exhibiting up to a 78% greater propensity for obesity compared to their lower quintile counterparts.
Despite offering unprecedented insights, the research is cognisant of potential limitations including self-reporting biases and the possible influence of altered microbiomes on adipogenesis.
In light of these potent revelations, the researchers advocate a reevaluation of prevailing national advisories encouraging the substitution of added sugars with artificial sweeteners. Highlighting the potential adverse health repercussions of both options, the study calls for a more nuanced approach to fostering healthier dietary choices.
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Rising obesity prevalence may have altered perceptions of healthy body weights, study suggests
A concerning trend has emerged, revealing that an increasing number of overweight teenagers do not perceive themselves as being too heavy. This phenomenon raises alarms as it may lead to detrimental lifestyle choices, warn scientists. The trend of underestimating body weight was found to be particularly prevalent among girls, according to a peer-reviewed study.
The study suggests that the rising prevalence of obesity and the emergence of body trends idealising an athletic, muscular physique may contribute to teenagers underestimating their weight and becoming resistant to adopting healthy diet and exercise habits. However, the researchers acknowledge that other factors, including body image, dieting, changing eating patterns, and migration, may also play a role in these shifting perceptions over time.
Conducted by the International Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children, the study surveyed 11 to 15-year-olds between 2002 and 2018, analysing trends in body weight perception while considering age, gender, and family socioeconomic status. The survey encompassed over 745,000 adolescents from 41 countries across Europe and the United States. These findings are particularly significant for the UK, where more than a third of teenagers have either overweight or obesity.
Lead author of the study, Dr. Anouk Geraets from the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Luxembourg, emphasised the potential impact of body weight perception during this impressionable age on teenagers’ lifestyle choices, including their food consumption and exercise habits. Dr. Geraets expressed concern regarding the trend of fewer adolescents perceiving themselves as overweight, as this could undermine efforts to address the escalating obesity levels among this age group. Teenagers who underestimate their weight may not recognize the need to lose excess weight and may consequently make unhealthy lifestyle choices.
The study revealed an increase in underestimation of weight status and a decrease in overestimation over time, with girls being more susceptible to these perceptions than boys. Scientists worry that shifting trends in perception could diminish the effectiveness of public health interventions targeting young people.
Dr. Geraets emphasised the clinical and public health implications of the study. While the increase in accurate weight perception and the decrease in overestimation may have a positive impact by reducing unnecessary and unhealthy weight loss behaviours among adolescents, the rise in underestimation highlights the need for interventions to strengthen accurate weight perception. Further research is necessary to understand the underlying factors driving these trends and to develop effective public health interventions.
The study’s findings were published in the journal Child and Adolescent Obesity, shedding light on the urgent need to address teenagers’ misperceptions of their weight in order to promote healthier lifestyles and combat the growing obesity crisis among this age group.
Scientists call for government action on portion sizes to tackle childhood obesity
Leading scientists are urging the government to establish standard portion sizes for young children as part of efforts to combat the obesity epidemic. In a damning report, government scientific advisers have revealed that young children are consuming excessive amounts of salt and sugar while falling short on fruit, fibre, and vegetable intake.
Official data indicates that one in ten reception-age children in the UK now has obesity, with experts projecting that the obesity crisis will cost the NHS £10 billion annually by 2050. The report from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) highlights the absence of formal guidance on appropriate portion sizes for young children and emphasises the need for policymakers to address this issue. Oversized servings are contributing to the rapid consumption of excessive calories.
According to the report’s authors, the current diet of young children in the UK fails to meet the recommended dietary guidelines for several nutrients. They note that larger portion sizes of snacks and meals provided in preschool settings are associated with higher food and energy intake in the short term. To address these concerns, the authors recommend that the government consider developing age-appropriate portion sizes for food and beverages, including vegetables, fruit, fruit juice, and milk, targeting children aged 1 to 5 years.
The SACN, known for its advocacy of the forthcoming ban on fast-food advertising before 9 pm from 2025 and the fortification of bread with folic acid, has identified excessive sugar consumption as a widespread issue, leading to dental problems that pose long-term health risks for individuals and place a persistent burden on the NHS.
The report reveals that nutritional imbalances are prevalent in the average diet, with children from disadvantaged backgrounds experiencing even worse dietary quality. Commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care, the report provides the first update on recommended food and beverage consumption for children aged one to five in nearly two decades. Based on a comprehensive review of two decades of studies and data, the panel of nutrition experts and paediatricians who form the SACN made several recommendations, highlighting the urgency of addressing the “high prevalence” of overweight and obesity in children in the UK.
Official figures indicate that approximately 3% of reception-age children have severe obesity, and one in ten children at this age meet the threshold for obesity.
The report authors also suggest that repeated exposure to initially disliked vegetables can help children develop a preference for them. They recommend that parents persistently offer the vegetable to their child eight to ten times to increase acceptance.
Additional recommendations from the report include avoiding fizzy drinks for children under the age of five, consuming unsweetened yoghurt products, and making milk and water the primary beverage choices. Semi-skimmed cow’s milk is acceptable, but fully skimmed milk should be avoided until age 5.
Bridget Benelam, a Nutrition Scientist from the British Nutrition Foundation, highlighted the report’s findings, stating that the diets of 1-5-year-olds were inadequate, characterised by excessive sugar, salt, and unhealthy energy-dense foods, and insufficient fibre, fruit, and vegetables.
The report also emphasises the importance of early childhood nutrition, not only for growth and development but also for establishing healthy habits that will benefit children later in life.
The report suggests several strategies for the government to consider, including promoting continued breastfeeding into the second year of life, ensuring children receive daily vitamin D and A supplements, and providing adequate vitamins and minerals for vegan families who may lack these nutrients commonly found in animal products.
A government spokesperson acknowledged that the report’s recommendations are being noted and considered. They highlighted the Start for Life resources, which provide expert NHS advice, helpful videos, and simple recipe ideas to support families in providing healthy meals for babies and young children.
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Wales takes strong action against junk food meal deals to combat obesity crisis
In a determined effort to address the growing obesity problem, Wales is set to implement strict measures aimed at curbing the promotion and accessibility of unhealthy meal deals and temporary price reductions on foods high in fat, sugar, or salt. With almost two-thirds of adults in Wales classified as having either overweight or obesity, the Labour-led government intends to go beyond the initiatives taken in England by enacting legislation to tackle the promotion of ultra-processed foods.
The Welsh government plans to mirror the UK government’s approach in England to restrict volume promotions, such as buy one get one free deals. Additionally, Wales will introduce proposals targeting meal deals and temporary price reductions, acknowledging the urgency of the crisis and the need for more comprehensive actions.
Lynne Neagle, the Welsh Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, emphasised the pressing nature of the situation, stating, “Rising levels of obesity are causing a significant burden of preventable illness in Wales. We must act immediately.” Neagle clarified that the government does not intend to ban meal deals altogether but aims to shift the focus towards healthier, more nutritionally balanced options. Many meal deals currently include large bags of crisps and snacks that are high in fat and sugar. The objective is to ensure that affordable meal deals are available, which are lower in calories, fat, and sugar.
Research conducted by Public Health Wales revealed that three-quarters of lunchtime meal deals exceed recommended calorie and salt levels for a meal. The unhealthiest lunch options provide two-thirds of the daily calorie intake, over 122% of the daily fat intake, 149% of the recommended sugar intake, and 112% of the daily salt intake. The majority of dinnertime meal combinations exceed average energy requirements.
The researchers concluded that if an individual purchased an average meal deal for lunch five days a week, they could gain more than 6 pounds (2.8 kg) in a year. If they opted for a high-calorie meal deal five days a week, the weight gain could reach 47 pounds (21 kg) within a year.
Neagle clarified that temporary price reductions would not be banned either, stating, “Our aim is to rebalance our food environments so that the healthy choice becomes the easy choice.”
The UK government recently delayed the planned ban on buy one get one free deals for junk food by two years, citing concerns over the cost of living crisis. However, the Welsh government is committed to implementing its restrictions by 2025 and intends to proceed even if the UK government does not follow suit.
Neagle expressed hope for alignment across the UK, stating, “It would be great if England moved forward with these plans. We believe that consistency throughout the UK is beneficial, but we have a responsibility to address the crisis we are currently facing in Wales.”
Neagle dismissed the notion that these measures amount to a “nanny state” intervention, highlighting that tackling obesity extends beyond individual responsibility and encompasses the unhealthy food environment people are exposed to on a daily basis.
The regulations will apply to major food retailers, and the government will also explore measures to curb the purchase of unhealthy food online and offers associated with loyalty cards.
According to the Welsh government, 62% of individuals aged 16 and over in Wales either have overweight or obesity.
James Evans, the Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, stressed the need for clear assurances from the Welsh Labour government that meal deals will not be banned and that any new regulations will not increase the average weekly cost for shoppers.
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High obesity-related cancer mortality linked to easy access to fast food
Obesity has been a significant contributor to various health issues, including cancer. A recent cross-sectional study published in JAMA Oncology highlights the role of food environments in obesity-related cancer mortality. Communities with easy access to fast food were found to be 77% more likely to have high levels of obesity-related cancer mortality.
Researchers led by Dr. Malcolm Seth Bevel from the Medical College of Georgia analysed food access and cancer mortality data from over 3,000 counties in the United States. The study aimed to understand the association between food deserts (areas with limited access to grocery stores and healthy food options) and food swamps (areas with easy access to convenience stores and fast food) and obesity-related cancer mortality rates.
Using data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Environment Atlas and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the researchers calculated food desert and food swamp scores for each county. A higher score indicated fewer healthy food resources in the area.
The primary outcome of the study was obesity-related cancer mortality, defined as either high or low (71.8 or higher per 100,000 individuals and less than 71.8 per 100,000 individuals, respectively). The results showed that counties with high food swamp scores (easy access to fast food) were 77% more likely to have high rates of obesity-related cancer mortality.
Further analysis revealed a positive dose-response relationship between food desert scores, food swamp scores, and obesity-related cancer mortality rates. Counties with high rates of obesity-related cancer mortality also had a higher percentage of non-Hispanic Black residents, higher percentage of adults older than 65 years, higher rates of adult obesity, and higher rates of adult diabetes.
The study demonstrates the significant impact of food environments on obesity-related cancer mortality rates. Communities with easy access to fast food have a considerably higher risk of obesity-related cancer deaths. The findings emphasise the importance of promoting healthier food environments and improving access to nutritious food options in order to reduce obesity and its associated health risks, including cancer.
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