Unfortunately for 1 billion humans, regulation has failed. But is this just down to individual choices, or is the food industry in need of better regulation?

The WHO suggests that creating supportive population-based environments through public policies that promote the availability and accessibility of a variety of low-fat, high-fibre foods, and that provide opportunities for physical activity.

David A. Kessler, MD, former FDA commissioner, suggests that food consumers and food producers share the responsibility:

Back 50 years ago, the tabacco industry in face of evidence that tabacco caused cancer, denied it, deceived the American public. Leave aside what the food industry has known.. there’s a responsibility on the part of the food industry, on the part of government, but just because you’re being stimulated constantly doesn’t mean you don’t have a responsibility to deal with that yourself.

The obesity epidemic of the last 30 years illustrates the difficulty that humans have had in coming to terms with the changes involved in the socio-economic revolution of the 20th century. Self-regulation may be the first step, but if humans are interested in sticking around, the subsequent steps of upgrading our institutions (education, food standards, advertising standards & healthcare systems) will surely be just as critical.

Obesity Facts

World Health Organization (WHO):

• Globally, there are more than 1 billion overweight adults, at least 300 million of them obese.
• Obesity and overweight pose a major risk for chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and stroke, and certain forms of cancer.
• The key causes are increased consumption of energy-dense foods high in saturated fats and sugars, and reduced physical activity.

Centers for Disease Control (US Government):

35.3% of adults & 15% of children (5-19 years old) are overweight.

Centers for Disease Control: Obesity Trends 1985-2007

Lifestyle & Obesity

A new study of what it means to be a “healthy weight” (scienceblogs.com)

Stanford School of Medicine:

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