We are constantly being bombarded with adverts telling us to get our cholesterol and blood sugar checked and we all know someone who has been affected by the ‘Big C’. It is debatable whether the percentage of people affected by cancer has actually increased over the years, or if it just seems like it because it’s easier to detect now, but one thing is for sure: obesity and other weight related issues are generally on the rise.
Although a recent report from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that obesity is decreasing in about half of the United States, UK charity the British Heart Foundation (BHF) reported that childhood obesity in England rose by an average of 15 per cent. This study was conducted between 1995 and 2011.
In most cases this rise in obesity due to poor diet, too much TV or video games and lack of exercise, but it also maybe to lack of communication, confidence, self-esteem and anxiety.
It is our responsibility to take action. Jamie Oliver, who is a personal hero of mine, showed how McDonald’s hamburgers are made. In response the franchise finally announced that it would change its recipe. Yet there was barely a peep about this in the mainstream or corporate media. A tweeted link is about as much publicity as this story received. Other celebrities are also doing their bit, like Michelle Obama who is teaming up with musicians including Jordin Sparks, Ashanti, DMC, and E-Street Band guitarist Nils Lofgren and creating an album that encourages kids to eat healthily and get exercise.
We need to bring the obesity issue, as well as the solutions, to the attention of the public. That is why we are bringing you a series of articles associated with poor diets and overeating, from obesity in this issue, childhood obesity in next month’s issue and diabetes following that.
Taking good care of our health is something that we need to instil in our children from the get go. The habits you get into early in life stay with you throughout your life, so healthy kids make healthy adults. Watch Jamie Oliver’s fascinating TED talk about teaching children about food.
Also in this issue, we continue with our Bucket List column, this time listing weird and wonderful to eat before you die and we interview happiness expert Sophie Keller about her new programme – How to Get Over a Breakup in 30 Days!
“He who takes medicine and neglects to diet wastes the skill of his doctors.” – Chinese Proverb