Obesity has sprouted into a chronic condition that threatens the lives of many individuals particularly the youth and children. It entails the presence of excessive fat in the body that arises from a combination of contributing factors and causes such as genetics, dietary patterns, medication use, inactivity, etc. Due to the prevalence and the health risks that obesity poses, it is essential for medical practitioners at the legislative level to assist in the prevention of the condition and promote the health outcomes of people throughout their lifespans. This essay looks at the etiology and epidemiology of obesity as well as the health risks that it poses to generate suitable legislative mechanisms that can prevent the illness.
The current trends and prevalence of obesity in many countries are associated with nutritional problems. The developed and developing regions that have a rapid socio-economic growth are experiencing a fast increase of the obesity crisis in child and adult populations. The epidemiology of the chronic illness appears to affect people differently based on their age, sex, socio-economic status, race, and the environment. The aspect is considerable due to the variations in lifestyle and socioeconomic statuses amongst the populations. The interaction of etiological factors such as the environment and genes also affects the complexity of obesity (Moreno et.al, 2011).
The etiological biology theories attribute the obesity surge to genetic predispositions of energy storage. The genetic predispositions otherwise called the thrifty genotype increase a person’s susceptibility to metabolic disorders and obesity. Obesity also arises from the permissive surrounding of readily available meals and modern sedentary behaviors (Moreno et.al, 2011). The comprehension of the epidemiology and etiological aspects that contribute to obesity assists health practitioners to develop suitable mechanisms to prevent or treat the illness. Obesity is attributed to an increased risk of dying. It is associated with various chronic illnesses such as diabetes, stroke, hypertension, and diabetes.
The chronic condition of obesity is also linked to various digestive illnesses like liver disease, cancer, colorectal polyps, and gastroesophageal reflux. The remedies for the illness involve tapping the root causes of the epidemic at the legislative level to formulate a culture of healthy behaviors in the community and promote medical outcomes (Leeman et.al, 2014). For instance, the behavioral and dietary activities of people in the society need to change. Individuals must focus on developing healthy behaviors such as regular physical activities and the appropriate diet patterns. There should be an energy balance between the number of calories the body system utilizes for work throughout the day and the calories that the person consumes.
A suitable diet pattern includes foods such as vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean protein, water, fruits, and whole grains. It is also crucial for people to have regular and moderate workouts every week. Households and individuals make choices based on their community or the environment. Hence, it is essential to formulate surroundings that engage people to take care of their health. The aspect can occur by creating public awareness on the health risks that obesity poses and teaching the society about the appropriate diet or physical activity (Leeman et.al, 2014).
Genetics, on the other hand, contributes to a minimal portion of the obesity epidemic. However, health practitioners can aid the genetic influence of the disease by collecting adequate information about people’s family histories to assess their vulnerability to illnesses associated with obesity such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. It may be impossible to change the genes but the individuals can avoid the environmental elements that will increase their chances of being obese (Nguyen and El-Serag, 2009). It is also vital to assess the likelihood that particular drugs or medications can cause obesity. The remedies require constant implementation and practices across people’s lifespan to prevent the condition. However, particular emphasis should be provided to the younger generation to instill a culture of healthy behaviors.
References
Leeman, J., Teal, R., Jernigan, J., Reed, J. H., Farris, R., & Ammerman, A. (2014). What evidence and support do state-level public health practitioners need to address obesity prevention. American Journal of Health Promotion, 28(3), 189-196.
Moreno L. et.al. (2011). Epidemiology of Obesity in Children and Adolescents. New York: Springer.
Nguyen D. and El-Serag H. (2009). The Epidemiology of Obesity. Gastroenterology Clinical North American, 39(1): 1–7.
