Obesity Prevention – Why are young people fatter than ever?

It is unfortunately a common sight these days to see young people who should generally be in the peak of good health carrying excessive amounts of fat on their bodies which will ultimately cause them lots of health problems. As a West Australian I see this every day in this country both in children and young adults. So why are young people fatter than ever compared with youngsters in previous decades and why do we need health guidelines for obesity prevention?obesity prevention

Research details from Western Australia

Reports recently released in Western Australia has revealed that WA has the most overweight and obese young adults in Australia with almost half of West Australian in the 18-24 age group being overweight. One report shows that 25% more young WA people are in the unhealthy weight range than 4 years ago and are getting more fatter than ever. Unfortunately this disturbing trend is not confined to this country only and is prevalent in many countries in the western world.

Public health experts in WA warn that the generational glut of fat people will strain the health system as they get older and stack on more kilos and suggest a junk food tax to fund education in proper nutrition pointing out that obesity today means diabetes, heart disease and cancer tomorrow. It was further pointed out that obesity was a bigger problem in WA partly because of our ‘drive everywhere’ culture and with so many young people being cashed up because of the recent mining boom here. These young affluent people were generally the ones who did not like cooking proper nutritional meals and they resorted to quick takeaway junk food diets.  The president of the Australian Medical Association stated that the increased figures were disappointing but that young people were still able to change their lifestyles and that they needed to spend more time exercising and undertaking healthy living as an aid to obesity prevention.

Obesity Prevention -reasons why children and young people are fatter than ever

1. Huge increases over the years in the opening of fast food restaurants and convenient foods takeaway outlets.

2. Extensive media marketing of  fast food to children and young adults.

3. An increase in the consumption of highly processed foods, very high in fat,salt and sugar.

4. Sedentary lifestyles where children are driven to school instead of walking, play computer games instead of physical sporting activities.

5. Reduction in the number of school physical education programs.

6.  Parents keeping their children indoors more for security reasons.

7. Lunch packs for children often don’t contain proper nutritious food.

8. Too much choice in entertainment on TV channels causing people to stay at home, rather than go out.

9. Too many energy dense foods and drinks containing excessive levels of sugar and caffeine.

10. School canteens not providing enough nutritious foods and drinks for children.

Obesity Health Risks

  • Raised body weight puts strain on the body’s joints, especially the knees, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.
  • Increases the risks of getting high blood pressure which can cause heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.
  • Excess body fat can lead to getting type 2 diabetes.
  • The risk of several cancers is higher in obese people.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that if people are to avoid being fatter than ever and getting what is often preventable diseases they need to take stock of their current eating and other lifestyle habits and assess what changes they need to make to them ror obesity prevention to regain a lean and healthy body. For those who need help in determining what is an effective combined diet and exercise program for their personal needs I would suggest that you read the following report on the dangers of excess abdominal fat which also offers a very practical effective solution for people who have difficulty in losing fat. I am strongly of the belief that this report has to be seen by everyone that cares about their health and that of their family and friends and who really want to finally fully understand proper nutrition and how to get a lean and healthy body for life.

I loved reading the report on obesity prevention and I know you will also…

 

READ REPORT HERE

 

jk1Keep fit and enjoy a happy, healthy lifestyle.

James Kelly

http://www.learnhandyhealthandwellnesstips.com

High Wycombe, Western Australia,6057

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