Health in the UK -- the solution for adult obesity - Essay Example

Health in the UK -- the solution for adult obesity Obesity is the solid cause which leads human beings towards a number of choric diseases.Obesity due to rapid change in standard of living is seen among all, regardless of age and sex. But adult obesity is more serious threat because it forces individuals to face a number of chronic diseases. Compared to children, obesity and related problems among adults in UK shows rapid increase. Thesis statement: The statistics on the harmful effects of adult obesity proves its rapid and wide spread among adults in UK (special reference to adult obesity in UK and solution for the same). Statistics: Adult obesity in UK The available statistics on obesity among the adult population in UK unveils facts on the rapid spread of the same. Earlier, women in UK were easily affected by obesity and related health problems. But now, situation is different and men in UK are not safe because they also face the problem of obesity and related health problems. This proves that male adults must be more serious and conscious about the rapid increase of obesity among them. Korbonits (2008, p.118) states that ‘obesity is a growing healthcare problem with 20% of UK’. So the rate of obesity among the people in UK shows rapid growth. Stomach obesity is most common among male adults but less common among female adults. Pryke (2006, p.120) states that ‘Three- quarters of the UK adult population are now overweight with 22% of adults in the obese range’. One can see that the rate of obesity among UK adults is showing rapid increase. Besides, UK has the highest rate of obese population among the European countries. So, one can see that statistics on obesity in UK reveals the seriousness of obesity related chronic diseases and other problems in the society. From a different angle of view, adult obesity is related to child obesity because children are deeply influenced by the food habits of their parents. When parents are not aware of the importance of dieting and exercise, there is high possibility for obesity as a serious threat. Harmful effects of adult obesity Adult obesity leads to a number of internal and external problems like health and psychological. One can see that many serious diseases like diabetes, stroke and BP are deeply rooted in obesity. Wilson (2010, p. B1) makes clear that spending on health care is increasing because a number of health problems are seen among the people who face the problem of obesity. When obesity is considered as a serious threat, the possibility to be a victim to chronic diseases gradually increase. For instance, adult obesity and certain types of chronic diseases are interconnected. One can see that obesity among men and women is showing gradual increase but less importance is given to diagnosis and treatment. So, adult obesity leads to a number of chronic diseases and health problems. The society evaluates an individual on his or her physical appearance. This may lead obese adults think that they are not attractive and eventually leads to some psychological problems. Besides, some people connect obesity with gluttony or consumption of excess food. This creates bad impression about people facing the problem of obesity. This may lead to a number of psychological problems. But health problems are more important than psychological problems. The possibility of cancer in obese men and women is higher than men and women enjoying health. One can see that a number of diseases/health risks are related to obesity. For instance, gallstones, NASH, GERD, Osteoarthritis, Gout, Pulmonary problems and reproductive problems are closely related to obesity. Solution for adult obesity The determination to lose weight is the most important aspect for adults to solve the problem of obesity. Martin (2004, P.12) opines that obesity can be considered as one of the most serious health problems which exerts negative effect upon public health. If an individual is ready to face any problem (health or psychological) during treatment, nothing can hinder him or her from losing weight. Shield (2007, p.11) makes clear that the ultimate aim of counseling for obese adults is weight loss. There are a number of treatment methods that can help an individual to lose weight. Some of the common treatment methods include strict control upon food consumption, physical exercise, drugs, counseling and surgery. One of the most important factors which help an individual to lose weight is the support from his or her family members. A person who is ready to undergo weight control treatment must realize the fact that the foretold treatment is a life-long process. For instance, when a person is undergoing weight control treatment, he or she is forced to involve in physical exercise and dieting. But after some time, interest in exercise and dieting may lose. This may lead to overweight/ obesity among adults and treatment become ineffective. Aphramor (2010, p.1) states that contemporary health policy in UK gives much more importance to body weight management. But dieting and exercise can help a person to control his or her weight. For instance, an obese adult must spend at least 30 minutes for physical exercise and must undergo strict dieting. This may help him or her keep away from chronic diseases and obesity related health problems. An adult who is planning to solve the problem of obesity can start physical activity program at home. If an adult is facing any chronic disease or illness, it is important to consult a health care provider. As pointed out earlier, exercise is an effective method for an adult to lose weight. Webster (2009, p. 357) makes clear that lack of exercise leads one to gain/retain weight and eventually leads to obesity/ overweight. If obesity among adults is so critical, surgery is an effective method to solve the same. Vaidya (2006, p.53) opines that Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment method for obesity among adults. So, one can see that determination can be helpful for obese adults to lead a normal life without frustration and psychological problems. Summing, statistics on adult obesity in UK proves that the same problem must be dealt with utmost seriousness. Besides, obesity among the adult population negatively influences their personal life and public health. But solutions like dieting, exercise, counseling and surgery can help one to lead normal life similar to a non-obese person. In short, adult obesity can be solved but individual determination and encouragement from family members can help an individual to lead normal life. References Aphramor, L., 2010. Validity of claims made in weight management research: a narrative review of dietetic articles. Nutrition Journal, [Online]. 9(30), Available at: http://www.nutritionj.com/content/9/1/30 [Accessed 18 August 2010]. Korbonits, M., 2008. Obesity and metabolism. London: Karger Publishers. Martin, L. F., 2004. Obesity surgery. USA: McGraw-Hill Professional. Pryke, R., 2006. Weight matters for young people: a complete guide to weight, eating, and fitness. Abingdon: Radcliffe Publishing. Shield, J.E., 2007. Counseling Overweight and Obese Children and Teens: Health Care Reference and Client Education Handouts. USA: American Dietetic Associati. Vaidya, V., 2006. Health and treatment strategies in obesity. Switzerland: Karger Publishers. Wilson, D., 2010. Tobacco Funds Shrink as Obesity Fight Intensifies. The New York Times, 28 Jul. p. B1. Webster, W., 2009. The Universal Solution. Canada: Trafford Publishing. Read More