The Obesity Epidemic: Is It Really Happening (Essay Sample)

The Obesity Epidemic- Is It Really Happening
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Abstract
Measurement and definition of obesity is crucial because it helps a country in planning for its people, in terms, of the social economic costs. Various definitions have been utilized by health professionals, in Australia, to measure and define obesity in the past decades; these terms will be described in this paper and reasons for their change over time. Trends in obesity and its principal factors in Australia for approximately the past three decades will also be discussed in this paper. Further, a comparison and contrast of the epidemiology of obesity amid Australia and USA will also be discussed.
Introduction
A healthy body is vital for overall health and can help prevent and control various diseases and conditions. Conversely, having an unhealthy weight can have associated health problems; for instance, being overweight or obese can contribute to the development of chronic conditions such as stroke. As excess body weight increases, so does the risk of chronic disease and mortality (AIHW, 2012). Obesity is one of the major concerns in the entire world due to its association with other conditions and diseases such as the cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis and some cancers; all these have principal mortality, morbidity, and social economic costs. The prevalence of obesity and overweight is increasing at a disquieting rate worldwide (Coveney, 2008). For example, in the United States, the prevalence of obesity increased from 15.0% to 30.9% between 1980-2000; almost similar findings have been indicated in developing countries (Adrian et al, 2003). In Australia, diabetes prevalence in 2000 became estimated at 7.4%; however, this estimated indicated a more than double the estimate for 1981 (Adrian et al, 2003). The epidemic is linked to excessive energy intake and sedentary lifestyles.
Definition and Measurement of Obesity/Overweight
Over the past 3 decades, health professionals used different definitions in the measurement and definition of obesity/overweight. One such definitions used in defining and measuring obesity/overweight entails the Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI indicates the body density, which is determined by the association of body weight and body height. BMI = weight (kg) divided by height squared (m2). For adults, an individual having a BMI below 18.5 is considered underweight; an adult having BMI that range between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal. On the other hand, an adult having a BMI that ranges between 25-29.9 is considered overweight while adults with a BMI above 30 is considered obese. BMI has constantly been used for the past 3 decades in Australia in defining and measuring overweight/obesity; however, over the past 3 decades, the use of BMI alone has changed because BMI measurement alone cannot indicate whether a child is obese or not. Therefore, the use of unique BMI charts together with height and weight growth charts have been introduced in order to aid in measuring and defining overweight/obesity in children. However, in adults, BMI measurement alone is still used in defining and measuring overweight/obesity. Although the measure is still used, it is not considered accurate in measuring abdominal obesity. This has made health professionals in Australia to use magnetic resource imaging. Another definition used in measuring and defining obesity/overweight in Australia over the past 3 decades entails the waist circumference. According to health professionals, a waist circumference of above 80 cm in women and 94 cm in men indicates that the individuals are overweight. On the other hand, a waist circumference above 88 cm in women and above 102 cm in men indicates that the individuals are obese. This has not changed over the past 3 decades since it is still utilized by the Australian health professionals.
Trends in Obesity and Its Major Risk Factors in Australia
Over the past 20 years, obesity rates have risen more than double in Australia. Approximately 37% of Australians are overweight, while approximately 25% are obese. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics, obesity and overweight are more prevalent in men compared to women; 68% versus 55%. In addition, overweight and obesity, in Australia, are more common to individuals aged between 65 and 74 years (Better Health channel, 2011). On the other hand, obesity and overweight rate in adolescents and children has also increased significantly over the past 3 decades. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics, approximately between 21-25 % of Australian adolescents and children are obese and overweight (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2012). The following graph shows the trend of obesity and overweight between women and men over a period of over 2 decades.
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According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the percentage of Australian individuals aged above 15 years that are obese and overweight has been increasing from 2005 through 2010. The following graph shows the trend of obesity and overweight in Australia from 2005 to 2010.
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Statistics from Australian Institute of Health and Welfare indicate that more adults are obese or overweight compared to 1995. In fact, 3 out of 5 Australian adults are obese or overweight while 1 out 4 Australian children are obese or overweight (AIHW, 2004)
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