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The obesity epidemic: prospects for prevention
P M L Skidmore1, J W G Yarnell
1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, UK. h.porter@qub.ac.uk
QJM : Monthly Journal of the Association of Physicians
|December 1, 2004
Summary
Obesity is a growing public health concern affecting UK adults and adolescents, linked to decreased physical activity and increased consumption of high-calorie foods. Concerted action and further research are crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Obesity prevalence (BMI >/=30 kg/m(2)) affects 20-25% of UK adults.
- Type 2 diabetes incidence is rising in UK adolescents, mirroring global trends.
- Overweight and obesity rates have doubled or tripled globally in recent decades.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight obesity as a major public health issue.
- To underscore the need for understanding obesity's root causes for effective intervention.
- To review current prevention strategies and identify research gaps.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data on obesity prevalence.
- Analysis of lifestyle factors: reduced physical activity and increased sedentary behaviors.
- Examination of dietary trends, including high-calorie snack foods.
Main Results:
- Significant decline in physical activity and rise in sedentary pastimes.
- Increased consumption of energy-dense foods contributing to caloric surplus.
- Promising, yet limited, results from school-based preventive trials in children.
Conclusions:
- Obesity requires urgent, coordinated action from governmental and non-governmental organizations.
- Further research into physiological and psychological causes is essential.
- Randomized controlled trials for prevention and ongoing monitoring are necessary to address this epidemic and potential adverse outcomes like eating disorders.