Global Health and Sustainability: Impact of Obesity on Public Health in the UK

This report focuses on the impact of obesity on public health in the UK, as a part of global health and sustainability. It covers the background, current status, considerations, and different trends and facts related to obesity, along with observations and strategies to overcome it.

Global Health and
Sustainability

Table of Content.
Global Health and Sustainability.....................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................1
Purpose.........................................................................................................................................1
Background..................................................................................................................................1
Current status ..............................................................................................................................3
Considerations .............................................................................................................................5
Different trends and facts related to obesity .....................................................................5
Trends and strategies to overcome obesity........................................................................7
Observations ...............................................................................................................................9
Impact of obesity on public health ....................................................................................9
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
This project report emphasizes basically on gobal health and their sustainability. A global
health is an area for study, research as well as practices which priority is to improve the health
along with achieving the equity in health for all people over the worldwide. The global health
emphasizes on transnational health issues, determinants with their solution. The health should be
maintained at a certain rate. The report emphasis on obesity as it is currently the most wider topic
of discussion. The obesity is a very complex disease, in this the excessive amount of fat deposit
in the body and it generally occur due to over eating or less moving. This disease is the gobal
concern of health, as obesity is the main cause of many other diseases such as cardiovascular
disease, high blood presssure as well as strokes. This project report gives the data on UK
population as half of the population are overweight which is the reason behind to reduce
population of UK. The report cover the whole story about the obesity regarding there effects,
cause as well as the initiative taken by the government to control the obesity in their country.
MAIN BODY
Purpose
This project report emphasizes on obesity as the current most wider topic of discussion.
Globally it is the most concern disease which has huge impact on health and the reason to
develop many other diseases such as cardiovascular disease, blood pressure and strokes. The
aim for this report is to analyse different tactics that UK population need to follow to reduce the
chronic obesity syndrome.
Background
In earlier historical records obesity was rare and people already recognized the health
disease. But as increasing in modern period, it affected large number of populations. Obesity is
the major public health problem over the world. Obesity are at high increased risk for many
serious health conditions,which may including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes high
cholesterol, and coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, hypersomnia
and respiratory problems. People also experiencing endometrial, breast and prostate cancers.
According to research, some studies found that children having excess body weight may also
leads to facing difficulties such as diabetes, unhealthy fat level and high blood pressure. Obesity
is a condition in which excess amount of body weight that may lead to causing negative effects
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on health. High body mass index(BMI) is indication of high risk causing depression and also a
coreational between obesity and depression (De Vincentis and et. al., 2022).
In recent decades, obesity has increased in adult as well as children. Obesity increase is
the result of changing individual behaviour due to high calories and good tasting and low cost
food widely available that are harmful for the children and they take more sweetened beverages
that are more harmful for their health. The burden of obesity and serious health related condition
among the population may lead to more prevalent in person with metal disability. According to
research, serious mental illness are due to overweight or obesity and people are also facing
chronic disease that are associated with being obesity. Most of the people are not aware about
rapidly increasing body weight, it is the most common side effects of psychiatric medications
among adults and children (Jois, 2021). Persons with mental illness are at high risk for obesity
and obesity related disorder. Obesity at an early stage of life has been found to increase the risk
for various disease in adulthood which including diabetes and heart disease, because obese
children are likely to become physical inactive and seems to like adult along with several studies
found that short term effects of overweight during childhood. Approximately 8-10% middle age
adults having type 2 diabetes ,due to increasing the high risk of diabetes that may lead to causing
other health related issues such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and blindness among
children. All over the world adoption of multiple new technologies innovations at workplace,
home and schools has decreased the physical activities due to the new technologies people
become dependent that are harmful for their health. In the modern population, children's eating
unhygienic food, junks food with more fat calories that adversely effect the body and increasing
obesity and body weight. People with serious mental disorder have shorted life span along with
obesity many diseases are caused due to other serious health related conditions that may leads to
death. In addition to, obesity leads to many problem including impact on economic, disadvantage
of in employment and increases business cost (Garduño‐Alanís and et. al., 2020).
The impact of obesity on health and society in the UK is most common public health
problem. Obesity can lead to social accusation and disadvantage in environment. Some
researches determines that obese people are less participate in specific field and to be promoted
in their job profile such as industries, airlines, healthcare and food industries. Due to increasing
high rate of obesity people facing complications in their professional career and lost the
opportunities in specific filed due to overweight or obesity (Bloom and et. al., 2021).
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Consumption of several medicines my also cause weight gain or changes in body structure these
includes insulins, antidepressants, steroids and some times form of hormonal contraception. BMI
(body mass index) provides most useful population level measure of overweight and obesity and
it is same for both adults and children. The two most common reason for increasing the obesity
are unhygienic food with more fat calories and reduction in physical activity. Unhealthy diet and
lack of fresh fruits and vegetables lead to caused many health diseases along with obesity
(Marsh, 2019).
Current status
According to Recent studies, WHO estimates that 28% of adults in UK are suffering
from overweight or obesity. Obesity can occur at any age , even in young population. In adults,
hormonal changes and due to less active in physical activities increases the risk of obesity.
Obesity can also occurs due to unhealthy lifestyle intake of high diet with high calories, lack of
fruits and vegetables and fast food. People drink alcohol is also the major factor of causing
overweight. Having modern lifestyles and new technologies reduces the physical activities that
can contribute to significant weight gain because people and children's spend their more time
with laptop and computers. In past two years severe condition due to covid-19 because obesity
increasing the risk of developing covid-19 viruses (Caballero, 2019) .Obesity can diminished the
overall quality of life. Over weight issues affect the health which includes- Depression, anxiety,
physical disability and lower achievements. Certain disease and medication are also the major
cause along with obesity.
One of the most global estimates finds approximately 500 billions adults are caused by
obesity. It is public health problem among children's and adults and it concern with overnutrition
disease as the most significant cause of poor health. There are many risk factors which are
responsible for overweight and can lead to cause obesity such as-
Family history and gene- Overweight and obesity have trend to run with heredity
characters that gene play an important role in causing obesity to their future generation. Parents
having obesity have high chances of causing over weight to their children's. Now a days it is a
genetic problems among the world. Genes may increase the risk of causing obesity. Genetics also
effects hormone involved in fat regulations (Khajeheian and et. al., 2018).
Age- Most of people gain weight according to their age. Adults have high chance of
causing obesity because they have other health related issues because people have physical
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disability are not able to do physical activities. People having age between 60-65 are more likely
to have obesity.
Physical inactivity- People are not physically active due to different technologies in
which they spend more time and they do not aware about the weight gain and it results in causing
obesity and overweight. Children are also not active because they spend more time with mobile
phones on social media due to this reason adults and children are not aware about the obesity.
Overeating- Over eating leads to cause weight gain, food having high fat, calories and
sugar have high energy density that contributes to weight gaining and also causes other health
problems that are harmful for the adults as well as children. Overeating in children are caused
due to consumption of junk food, unhygienic food, fat and sugar beverages that causes high risk
of obesity and weight gain.
Social issues- There is also a co relation between social issues and obesity. Due to lack of
money to purchase the hygienic and healthy foods. Some people do not have enough money to
buy fruits, milk and vegetables. They also do not have safe place to walk and do physical
exercise, this situation increases the risk of causing obesity. Lack of education they do not aware
about the adverse effects of obesity that may increases the causes of other health related issues.
Psychological factor- People having some emotional influences eating habits. Most of
people eat too much in excess amount in response to emotions such as depression, sadness ,
anger, stress and anxiety. People having overweight that may have more psychological
disturbance factor that are responsible for obesity and overweight (Webb and et. al., 2020).
As modern People with obesity is more likely to have several health issues and
complications that can cause many health diseases which including-
Heart disease and stroke- People facing obesity that may lead to cause high blood
pressure and also increased cholesterol level which are indication of risk factor of causing
cardiovascular disease and heart stroke in which heart nerves are blocked due to storage of fat. In
severe condition of heart disease sometimes,leads to death and causes difficulties because
obesity reduces the blood circulation which can form blood clot and it causes heart failure and
heart blockage.
Type 2 diabetes- Overweight or obesity can increase the chance of developing diabetes,
this can affect the body insulin that is help to control body sugar level. This is the most common
health issue associated with obesity. Approximately 90% people are facing type 2 diabetes. In
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this condition, too much sugar is circulating into blood stream and increases level of fatty acids
this can increase the risk of insulin resistance and causes type 2 diabetes or it can also refers to
as non insulin dependent diabetes. People take too much sweetened beverages and drinks due to
high calories drinks it can increases the risk factor (Johnson, 2018).
Causing cancer- According to research excess body fat increases risk of several cancers
which includes ovaries , cervix, uterus , liver , kidney, breast, gallbladder and pancreas cancers.
Digestion causes- Obesity increase chance of developing various digestion problem such
as heart burn, gallbladder diseases and liver problem in which people do not take food according
to their choice because it already increases the high chance of causes liver problem, people are
not able to digest the food and it causes weakness.
Osteoarthritis- It is most common and long lasting public health issues that may lead to
cause pain, swelling and difficulties in walking , physical activities. People having overweight
and obesity may arises many arthritis problems (Baert and et. al., 2018).
Pregnancy problem- During pregnancy obesity can increase the high risk of causing
health problems. Pregnant women with having overweight have greater chance of developing
gestational diabetes, hypertension during pregnancy causes severe health problems to mother and
infant.
Sleep apnea- It is the most common disorder in which people is not able to breath
properly. In this situation, The disorder results in less oxygen in the blood and can briefly
awaken sleepers throughout the night (Kentistou and et. Al, 2019). In adults, the most common
cause of sleep apnea is due to excess weight and obesity because BMI ( Body index mass) is
increased and people facing the problems.
Considerations
Different trends and facts related to obesity
Obesity is now hindering all developed and even under developed nations. Obesity leads to
major health problems and also responsible for decreasing productivity which directly influence
the financial background to. Almost half of the UK population is being overweight
which is reason behind reduce efficacy of life in UK population. It is also estimated that 1 in
every 4 adult and 1 in every 5 children is found to be overweight. Since, 1980 rate of obesity
patients have been seen just doubled . 2014 studies shows that percentage of obese or overweight
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adults have extended more substantially in kids and youth. Childhood Obesity is the most severe
public fitness challenge evolving in 21st century as obesity can lead to risk of hormonal
imbalance in puberty and disease later in life. When a survey from 2021 of people from 30
different countries was taken then it was found that obesity was ranked fifth, behind COVID-19,
cancer, mental health, and stress (A new treatment for obesity (2021)).
It is estimated that around 38.9 percent of world population is overweight or obese. Rates
of obesity can fluctuate from country to country. As discussed above it is a increasing issue and
its widely seen in UK with highest rates in Europe. Obesity has a high risk of consequence with
situation that has been regularly ignored from number of years than its actual realisation hits.
NHS has stated that an obese man is 5 times much more likely to expand type 2 diabetes and
obese woman has thirteen times more chance of development. Everyone around world has 2-4%
more likely chance of developing excessive blood pressure. Survey has also provides details like
62 % of UK population is overweight overall which means around 58% of women and around
68% of men are characterised in obese criteria. Nearly 25% of adults are classified as obese.
Survey also provides that around 30,000 deaths are caused in UK due to obesity. Obesity is
linked to 7 million cases of diabetes, 6.5 million instance of coronary hart disorder or stroke
cases and around 500,000 cancer cases. Excessive blood pressure in obese patients have become
2 times common in comparison to people having regular weight. Overweight or obesity is more
seen in the north England where the the BMI over 30 can lessen the life existence expectancy by
3 years (Allenderand Rayner, 2007).
Widely used method to check weather the patient is having healthy weight or overweight
is basically done through calculating body mass index. This is basically defines as person's
weight in kilogram which is divided by the height square in metres. According to Who
guidelines defined graphs for adults is, they are considered overweight when patient BMI rate is
higher or equal to 25 as they are considered as a obese when patient BMI rate is greater than or
equal to the 30. Guidelines for under 5 age kids are they are considered as overweight when
weight or height ratio is higher than 2 and considered obese when weight and height ratio is
higher that 3. This also includes guidelines for the adolescence which is fro overweight the
weight t0 height ration should be more than 1 and for obesity this ration should be more than 2
(Anabtawi, 2020).
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One of the biggest survey review for obesity in UK was conducted by United Nations
Food and Agriculture Organization department in 2013 showed that UK has highest level of
obesity in Europe. Based on contemporary growth in over weight patient from couple of decades,
experts expecting that by means of 2050, 60% of men and around 50% of adult of women and
25% of kids will be overweight. It also suggest that around 3 in 4 adults are characterised under
obese category by 2035 (Beynon, and Bailey, 2020).
Trends and strategies to overcome obesity
Preventing obesity and initiating help for humans diagnosed with overweight or obesity is
a real concern for government. In around July 2020, the department of health and social care
published guidelines which address the key factors responsible for obesity and is aimed to
motivate the adults towards the healthy lifestyle or to assist them towards the healthy site while
taking balance diet which is full of all basic nutrients required by the body. The proportion of
obese patient residing in England has seen huge increase in last 4 decades. In 1993 the Health
Survey for England reported that the prevalence of obesity among men and women in adult age
group was 13% and 16% respectively which has seen huge expand to 27% of men and 29% of
women in 2019 (Heianza and et. al., 2021).
Although weight gain is the result of eating behaviour and lifestyle they follow. Kids of
obese parents have more chance of developing bad eating habits as eating has wider impact on
what genes expresses. Nowadays, people are more looking for processed food which consist of
refined ingredients and high fat as contain high sugar which are treat to mouth and it has become
addicted just like alcohol or smoking. Another factor is these packed foods are the western diets
which lead to insulin resistance in individuals. Additionally obesity also contribute to
breathlessness, back pain, low confidence, high cholesterol, feeling of tiredness and many more
(Modelling Future Trends in Obesity (2020)).
Supportive environment and seeking help from healthcare professionals are essential in
shaping humans mindset of choosing more healthy habits and regular physical activity for
preventing overweight. The best way to treat obesity is to opt for calorie- deficient diet and be a
part of weight reduction groups or go for rapid walking or jogging. Try to avoid conditions in
which you recognize that you can't control to overeat and practise slow eating by properly
chewing food. Individually people can control by limiting the packed energy intake drinks, boom
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the intake of fruits and vegetable, while positively involving in at-least 60 to 150 minutes of
regular exercise, and many more (Obesity Statistics (2022)).
Initial goal for obesity patients is to just control the overweight by trying to reduce 5-10%
of total body weight which is directly linked with incorporating changes in eating habits and
reduce laziness. Treatment depends on severity and willingness of patient to participate in
weight-loss. This involves, dietary changes – practising healthier habits are found to be the vital
option for overcoming obesity in patients. It does not include any proper weight loss plan, this is
done basically by making healthier choices over sugary foods, restricting high-calorie food,
making replacements with full meals to short to balance the calorie level. Exercise – people with
overweight have to practise exercise regularly but it is also advised to walk as it help to shed
extra calories which is done by tracking steps count through pedometer(Public Health
Considerations Regarding Obesity (2022)).
 Change in habits – allow people to make modification in lifestyle and which will help in
weight shed as it includes counselling sessions or support groups through which trained
physicians help to address the behaviour factor affecting eating habits, anxiety or
cravings. It will help obese patient to learn the monitoring and how to cope with changes.
 Prescribed medication – It includes certain medication when prescribed by doctor can be
taken along with dietary changes and exercise to countdown the weight. These medicines
don't work for everyone and these are also associated with major side effects.
 Endoscopic procedures or surgery – where procedures are done to reduce the amount of
food and water capacity in stomach which will directly reduce the calorie count. These
modification involve life long adaptations or commitment to eat less and practise healthy
habits (Renehan, Lloyd and Renehan, 2019).
Patient centric approach will help to improve the quality of health. As they will guide
patient with how to balance weight control and its management plan. Health care provider
benefits patient by providing proper counselling sessions. It is done by properly educating fitness
professionals about the complexity of obesity which includes genetic, metabolic and social
factors. To educate them for not to be bias with patient during the sessions. To train medical
professional about the importance effective communication. They need to motivate patient for
general fitness with providing proof plan to them. They need to talk them in more medical
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terminology so that they don't find the severity on initial level and starts getting panic (Yates and
et. al., 2020).
Observations
Impact of obesity on public health
Obesity decrease the average life expectancy as it is a severe modern lifestyle illness. The
impact of obesity on morbidity and disability is higher than its impact on mortality. This is also
seen obese people who smoke reduce there lifestyle by almost double. Obesity affects both
physical and also limits the psychological aspect of living. These includes interruption in social
functioning, physical pain, mental well-being, emotional function obstacles and perception too.
Target of WHO is to prevent these non communicable chronic conditions. This also shows its
impact on employment as work efficiency decreases. Additionally, also impact annal health
expenditure as cost of treatment is higher as compared to smokers.
To overcome these issues several health policy are updated which includes that FDA has
made regulation for food labelling containing details of calorie and nutrition count, FDA has
already banned trans fats in grocery store or restaurants. Motivation programs are started for
school going children by encouraging them for healthy lifestyle and eating. More policies have
started in schools for improving physical health of kids. More taxes have started applying on
sugary drinks and unhealthy food to prevent consumption on ethical terms. Public health is more
focussed nowadays as government started focused more on weekend marathons. Family-based
approaches also started by providing extra offers on registration of family together in activities or
gym (Ziauddeen and Alwan, 2019).
Modification done in treatment is WEGONY which is a injectable medication given once
a week for weight management. It is provided to patient who is having BMI more than 27 and
who are in high risk for development of high B.P, type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol. Its comon
side effect is it cause nausea,diarrhea, vomiting, pr constipation. This also has high risk of
developing thyroid tumour so it is not recommended to patient with family history of cancer or
tumour patients.
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CONCLUSION
From the above discussed report it is concluded that the obesity is the most wider topic of
discussion in all over the world. Globally, it is the most concern disease as it develop many other
disease such as kedyney disease, strokes as well as high blood pressure. The report concluded the
brief knowledge about the global health and sustainability, as it is the area of research, practices
to priorities the improvement of health all over the world and it should be maintained. The report
gives the complete information on obesity. As obesity is cause due to over eating which develop
excessive amount of fat in the body. As the accumulation of fats in the body lead to risk the life
of a person. Body Mass Index is the methods to measure the obesity,it is consider that over 25
BMI consider overweight and over 30 is consider to be obese. The health survey for UK, survey
that the half of the UK population are overweight in which the ratio of men is more than the
women. It estimated that 28% of adults in england are obese and 36% are overweight but not
obese. The report also conclude the fators of obesity and overweight such as environment, stress,
food as well as poor sleep.
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