Obesity: The Coming Pandemic - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages Accordingly, this brief analysis will attempt to reconcile and chronicle the steps the Department of Health recommends implementing with the extent to which these have corresponded to the literature and advice provided in the patient experience detailed at greater length later in this analysis. This paper presents details why both macro and micro implementation of obesity policy and treatment matter to society, regardless of what nation is attempting to tackle the problem. The cost to the nation in lost productivity, early death, and a diseased populace is staggering and, unfortunately, is indicative of only the tip of the iceberg with relation to the overall problem. To give a brief background with relation to the United Kingdom, obesity is estimated to cost the overall economy in excess of 5 billion pounds per fiscal year (Crombie et al, 2007). Obesity rates in the United Kingdom alone are up more than 65% over what they were in 1980. Currently, one out of every four children in the United Kingdom is considered obese with that figure rising to more than 50% for adults (Musingarimi, 2008). As such, the scope and magnitude of the situation is well exemplified. With such a massive cost, it is painfully obvious why the United Kingdom, as well as a host of other nations around the world, are suffering with the costs of obesity in their population while actively and single mindedly attempting to tackle the problem. It is without question that obesity worldwide can be linked to a host of diseases. Accordingly, some of the leading causes of Type 2 Diabetes and certain types of aggressive cancers are oftentimes highly dependent upon whether or not the individual is overweight and/or obese (Healthy Lives, Healthy People: A Call to Action on Obesity in England, 2011). Research conclusively shows that there is a direct correlation between a high body mass index and the prevalence of disease on those individuals who are either overweight or obese – as such it is within the best interests of the entire society, specifically the medical community, to educate and alert its citizens of the many dangers associated with weight gain and how they can effectively and safely lose weight while maintaining good practices of healthful eating combined with a tailored exercise regime that fits their lifestyle and their specific needs. The United Kingdom Department of Health is a prime example of a governmental body that has taken an active role in targeting obesity and actively working to implement goals and institutions that will help to lessen this growing problem in society. As such, the Department of Health has listed targeting weight loss goals in adults and children by 2020 as one of their prime concerns. In much the same manner, Holly Lane Clinic and its staff work to pass these concern along to the patients we treat on a daily basis so that the impact and severity of the illnesses and tangential problems over the long run associated with individuals suffering from being overweight and/or obese might be lessened. Accordingly, the ultimate realization is that almost all health literature, as well as multiple government health services around the world, have come to understand that each of us is responsible for our own health. However, there are some recommendations and ...Download file to see next pagesRead More