Question : What Are the Effects of Obesity in Australia?

NSWTHMN302 (2013) CAS-SAE 3

Significant Issue : Education

Question : What are the effects of Obesity in Australia?

Disciplinary Approaches : (a) Political (b) Sociological

Length : 1681 words

Format : Report

Introduction:

Obesity is defined as a condition where abnormal or excessive fat has accumulated in the body over a period of time and has the potential to cause negative health effects (World Health Organization, 2003). It is a serious chronic health problem that has become a major concern for the Australian government. Excessive body fat is likely to overtake smoking and heart disease as the main cause of early death and disease as tobacco smoking declines. There are many negative effects of obesity in adults and children, not only physically but also psychologically as well.

Discussion:

This report aims to discuss the impact of obesity of obesity on both adults and children and will advance recommendations based on the conclusion drawn. Maintaining a healthy weight is an extremely important part of overall health. Obesity contributes many risk factors in adults and children.

1) Adult Obesity

Adults who are overweight and obese have a higher chance of health problems such as: risk factor in cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea and some cancer such as breast and colon cancer as well as environmental factors. (Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2008). The Australian government is now taking preventive measure to improve the health of the people. There are programs provided to help all Australian to achieve a healthier life.

The political disciplinary approach on adult obesity illustrated by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (2010a), in 2007-08 National Health Survey (NHS) showed that 61.4% of Australian people are either overweight or obese; 42.1% of adult men and 30.9% women are considered overweight, 25.6% of adult men have body mass indexes (BMI) of 25 to 30 kg/m2 and 24% of adult women have with body mass indexes as (BMI) of more than 30.0kg/m2.

Cardiovascular disease caused by obesity is one of the Australia’s biggest health problems. An estimated 3.7 million Australians or 19.4% of the population had a current cardiovascular condition. Obese people are more likely to have high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, than people who are not overweight. Very high blood levels of cholesterol can also increase the risk of heart disease and often are linked to being overweight (Stanford Hospital and Clinics, 2009).

Type 2 diabetes due to obesity reduces our body's ability to control blood sugar. Obese people are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those of normal weight. Most cases of type 2 diabetes are attributed to being overweight or obese. Losing weight helps to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (Stanford Hospital and Clinics, 2009).

Another risk factor of obesity is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious breathing condition that is associated with being overweight. Sleep apnea can cause a person to snore heavily and to stop breathing for short periods during sleep. The risk for sleep apnea increases as body weight increases. Weight loss often reduces the risk of sleep apnea (Stanford Hospital and Clinics, 2009).

Obesity is associated with several types of cancer. Being obese increases the risk of dying from cancer. Cancers of the colon, breast (postmenopausal), endometrium (the lining of the uterus), kidney, and esophagus are associated with obesity. Studies also show links between obesity and cancers of the gallbladder, ovaries, and pancreas (Stanford Hospital and Clinics, 2009).

Environmental factors such as changes in transportation modes (cars) and improvement in technology (electrical appliances) are some of the underlying causes of obesity. In addition, people who are working long hours are more likely to spend longer time in sedentary or low physical activities. They also tend to eat not enough fruits and vegetables. Men generally are more likely to be more obese than women in all age groups as men have more muscle mass.

The government had launched a national media campaign which aims to reduce the rate of obesity in Australia. In February 2006, the Measure Up campaign, a national program funded by the Council of Australian Government (COAG) was introduced, and was supported by the Australian State and Territory government. The aim of this campaign is to increase people’s knowledge of the risk factors of chronic illness caused by obesity. This national-wide campaign is advertised in television, radio, print and online as well as outdoor places such as on shopping trolleys, and bus shelters and in shopping centres. (Australia Government Department of Health & Ageing, 2010b)

In general, according to Professor Boyd Swinburn from the Population Health and director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention at Deakin University in Victoria that men and women underestimate their weight and height when answering health survey. He said “It is human nature to paint a good picture for ourselves. When you ask human beings they will underestimate their weight, how much alcohol they drink and how much they eat, and they'll overestimate their height and how much sex they have." (SMH, 2008).

2) Children Obesity

Children who are obese have many potential health problems. Problems such as psychological and social disorder (low self-esteem, social isolation and depression). Also, problems including type 2 diabetes which traditionally only affected in adults but now children are also experiencing it. Orthopedic disorders, problem with foot structure like flat feet; develop sleep apnoea and respiratory problems as well. The government had identified that childhood obesity needs to be a priority.

A 2007-08 government survey has shown that 24.9% of children and adolescents aged 5-17 years old were either overweight or obese. The percentage of boys and girls of that age who are overweight or obese are 25.8% and 24.0% respectively (Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2010a). Children who are obese have a 25-50% chance and adolescents a 78% chance of becoming obese adults. People who were obese as an adolescent also have higher chances of weight-related health problems and higher chances of early death than those people who became obese when they reach adulthood (NSW Government Health, n.d.a).

The sociological disciplinary approach shows the children and adolescent especially older girls may develop low self-esteem and low self-image. Obese children are more likely to be teased by their peers in which can have a great impact on how they feel about themselves and how they interact with others. These may affects aspects of their social life like making friends as well as their performance at school.

The most common causes of obesity in children are lack of exercise and physical activity, and poor nutrition. Adolescent girls may even use radical diet method for weight control which may affect their health (Better Health Channel, 2013). In 2001, a NSW Child Health Survey data showed that among children 5-12 years of age, 40% were watching television or video for two or more hours and 15% playing computer games or electronic toys for an hour or more on an average a day. Children have replaced their outdoor sports and activities with these sedentary pastimes. Another is poor quality of food the children are eating. Most of children are now eating more high sugar and high fat content foods than fresh fruits and vegetable in their daily meal (NSW Government Health, n.d.a).

The government had started encouraging children to eat healthy foods. On September 2002, during the NSW Government Children Obesity Summit, they developed a strategy for the NSW Healthy School Canteen. This strategy “ensured that no canteen sell high fat or high sugar foods or drinks through over-the-counter sales, vending machines, special events or contractors” (NSW Government Health, n.d.b). The purpose of this strategy is to educate students about healthy eating and encourage them to make healthy food choices to combat obesity.

Junk food advertisements contribute to obesity in children. In November 2011, the Greens leader, Bob Brown had introduced a bill ensuring a complete ban of junk food advertising on children’s television channels and social media such as websites that is directed to children. As well companies are not allowed to use e-mails and smartphones to send unhealthy food messages to attract consumers. Commercial television stations were not allowed to show junk food ads during certain hours on weekdays, weekends and school holidays and also pay television programs for children were also banned from advertising targeting children too. Gaming websites for children and were banned too (Peatling, 2011). According to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) chairman, Mr. Chris Chapman said “The research does indicate that there is a relationship between advertising and children’s food and beverage preferences and requests. It also indicates a relationship between television viewing (as distinct from television advertising specifically) and obesity in children” (Australian Food News, 2008).

Conclusion and Recommendation:

The obesity rate of adults and children in Australia has increased significantly over the past 20 years. Most adult men in each age group are generally more obese than adult women in the age group. The basic reason why people are obese is due to imbalance between energy consumed from diet and energy expended through physical activities. However, there are still other factors to consider explaining why people became obese. Obesity, not only causes health problems but also with affect the social aspects of their life. The government has been running many public education and campaigns to reduce obesity rate and to promote a healthy living lifestyle but with limited success.

To control the increasing level of obesity in Australia, I recommend that the government should limit the vending machines available in public places like train stations, hospitals and work places. Also, limit the junk foods and drinks placed inside the vending machine and replace them with some healthy snack such as nuts, dried fruits and pretzels. Even though the advertising of unhealthy foods is banned on television and radio, however, the presence of vending machine in public places can be considered as an advertisement too. This also can also serve as a temptation to people who are trying to change their unhealthy eating habits.

Education campaigns, especially those aimed at children, must be continued. Preschools and schools must make teaching about nutrition and healthy eating habit a priority to stop the growth in childhood obesity.

Bibliography:

Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing 2010a, Overweight and Obesity in Australia, viewed 29 October 2013, <http://www.healthyactive.gov.au/internet/healthyactive/publishing.nsf/Content/overweight-obesity>.

Australia Government Department of Health and Ageing 2010b, About the Measure Up campaign, viewed 30 October 2013, http://www.measureup.gov.au/internet/abhi/publishing.nsf/Content/About+the+campaign-lp>.

Hall, L. 2008, “Fat lies mask full extent of obesity”, The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 December, viewed 2 November 2013, < http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/fat-lies-mask-full-extent-of-obesity-20090403-9mhd.html>.

NSW Government Health n.d.a, Facts about Childhood Obesity, viewed 3Novembere 2013, <http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/healthpromotion/obesity/background.asp>.

NSW Government Health n.d.b, Healthy School Canteens. viewed 7 November 2013, <http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/healthpromotion/obesity/canteens.asp>.

Palmer, D. 2008, “Food and beverage advertising to children escapes ban”, Australian Food News, 28 August, viewed 6 November 2013, <http://www.ausfoodnews.com.au/2008/08/28/food-and-beverage-advertising-to-children-escapes-ban.html>.

Peatling, S. 2011, “Bill to ban junk food ads”, The Sydney Morning Herald, 20 November, viewed 2 November 2013, < http://www.smh.com.au/national/health/bill-to-ban-junk-food-ads-20111119-1noc2.html>.

Stanford Hospital and Clinics 2009, Health Effects of Obesity, viewed 19 November 2013, <http://stanfordhospital.org/clinicsmedServices/COE/surgicalServices/generalSurgery/bariatricsurgery/obesity/effects.html>.

World Health Organization 2003, Obesity, viewed 30 October 2013, <http://www.who.int/topics/obesity/en/>.

1