Health
People living with obesity face stigma and discrimination which can exacerbate the negative health effects of the disease
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Despite this, people living with obesity frequently face stigma and discrimination, which can exacerbate the negative health effects of the disease and make it more difficult to access necessary medical care (4).
To address the growing obesity epidemic, numerous strategies and interventions have been implemented. For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recently provided updated recommendations and new targets for the prevention and management of obesity, accompanied by an Acceleration Plan (6).
On World Obesity Day 2023, we have an opportunity to come together to raise awareness about the root causes of obesity and to end stigma. This day aims to shift the conversation from blaming individuals to recognising that obesity is a systemic problem that requires collective action. By changing the perspective from “me” to “we”, we can work towards creating a more supportive and equitable society that addresses the systemic issues that contribute to obesity (7).
These roots are multifactorial and often overlapping. Firstly, it is known that people experiencing poverty are more likely to live with obesity. Therefore, taking a social justice approach, behavioural interventions focusing on diet and physical activity must be complimented by actions addressing the higher cost of healthy food and lack of green spaces in deprived areas.
Secondly, it is essential to ensure the effective right to advanced universal health coverage and equitable access to medicines and healthcare, including equitable access for the management and treatment of obesity and its co-morbidities, irrespective of socio-economic status and country of origin.
Thirdly, accessibility and affordability of food plays a major role. For example, dietary patterns rich in products high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS) contribute to a major intake of empty calories. These cheap, edible products are often ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and are usually widely advertised and promoted. Limiting this promotion, especially the marketing of unhealthy foods targeted to kids, together with enabling the access and affordability of fruits and vegetables, are crucial steps forward on the eradication of obesity.
At EPHA, we call for the end of stigmatisation of people living with obesity, and for an active and collective support from the European and national policymakers to tackle the roots of obesity. We aim for the change of perspective, from individuals to environments, from the “Me” to the “We”.
Only by joining forces we will be able to reframe this major public health challenge and support millions of citizens.
References:
(1) World Obesity Federation. (2021). World Obesity Day 2021 Facts and Figures. Retrieved from https://www.worldobesityday.org/assets/downloads/Factsheet_-_English_1.pdf
(2) Eurostat. (2021, July 21). Overweight and obesity – BMI statistics. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Overweight_and_obesity_-_BMI_statistics
(3) Webber, L., Divajeva, D., Marsh, T., McPherson, K., Brown, M., Galea, G., … & Breda, J. (2014). The future burden of obesity-related diseases in the 53 WHO European-Region countries and the impact of effective interventions: a modelling study. BMJ Open, 4(7), e004787. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/4/7/e004787.full
(4) Afshin, A., Sur, P. J., Fay, K. A., Cornaby, L., Ferrara, G., Salama, J. S., … & Mokdad, A. H. (2019). Health effects of dietary risks in 195 countries, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. The Lancet, 393(10184), 1958-1972. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(19)30041-8
(5) Puhl, R. M., & Heuer, C. A. (2010). Obesity stigma: Important considerations for public health. American Journal of Public Health, 100(6), 1019-1028. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2009.159491
(6) World Health Organization. (2022). Report by the Director-General: Follow-up to the Political Declaration of the High-level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases. Retrieved from https://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/EB150/B150_7-en.pdf
(7) Glanz, K. (2019). Raising awareness of the root causes of obesity. World Obesity Day. Retrieved from https://www.worldobesityday.org/resources/raising-awareness-of-the-root-causes-of-obesity/
Health
Reports: Fungus CANDIDA AURIS has infected at least 2377 in the U.S. | Latest World News | WION – WION
“I’m not surprised.”
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) Chief Nursing Officer Rita Isley explained to CityNews 570 in an interview why she’s not at all shocked by the 50 per cent increase in whooping cough (or pertussis) cases in Wellington and Dufferin counties.
“The main reason why is that during the pandemic, we had multiple lockdowns, but we also had limited access to in-person visits with our primary care provider for a variety of reasons. With that happening, a lot of our [patients] needed to get routine vaccines and whooping cough is part of our routine vaccine schedule, particularly for children. We are expecting that, because they are behind, that we have lower immunity in our community.”
The total number of cases reported by WDGPH was 18, but that can rise quickly considering how easy the bacterial infection can spread.
The disease affects the respiratory tract, and starts with symptoms like runny nose and cough. It spreads through droplets that are sprayed when someone sneezes, coughs or even talks.
The illness can also get dangerous when the coughs get more frequent and severe. Isley said it can be difficult to catch your breath in between coughs, which can lead to gagging, vomiting or loud “whoops.”
Whooping cough can be especially serious for infants, children and those with compromised lungs. In severe cases, it can result in hospitalization or even death.
“This illness can last upwards of 6 to 20 days,” said Isley. “With this disease, what we’re looking for is a cold that lasts longer and a circumstance where the cough has started and it is continuing to get worse. Anyone that has symptoms that are staying the same up to 9-10 days really should be getting seen by their primary care provider.”
Luckily, the disease can be treated with a vaccine, and Isley encourages everyone, including pregnant women in their third trimester, to book appointments to stop the spread of the illness in the region.
Isley also asks that adults and children stay home with colds, and follow the usual public health unit advice of washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and not sharing food and drinks.
The next community update with whooping cough case numbers is in the works and could come sometime this week.
If you need to get your child caught up on vaccinations, you can book a K-12 immunization appointment with WDGPH by calling 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006.
By Staff
Posted March 21, 2023 8:31 am
A new report that looks at the prevalence of marketing to children inside grocery stores and restaurants suggests regulation is needed to help reduce unhealthy food temptations.
The report funded by Heart and Stroke audited displays at more than 2,000 restaurants and 800 stores across Canada and says children may be bombarded with messages that make junk food seem appealing.
Researchers found nearly 53 per cent of stores had “junk food power walls” at checkout aisles, which it says are prime areas to market to kids because products are placed within their reach.
The research says that placement encourages “pester power” — when children nag or pester their parents to make impulse purchases.
University of Waterloo associate professor Leia Minaker says designs and themes such as “magic, adventure and zoo animals” are also commonly seen in beverage and ice cream fridges.
The report says healthy checkout aisle policies and prohibiting toy giveaways with children’s meals could help reduce consumption of unhealthy food.
© 2023 The Canadian Press
Reports: Fungus CANDIDA AURIS has infected at least 2377 in the U.S. | Latest World News | WION – WION
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