Analyzing Obesity in the UK: A Global Health Strategy Case Study

This case study examines the global health challenge of obesity in the UK, highlighting its prevalence, contributing factors such as unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles, and associated health risks. It outlines the UK government's initiatives, including weight management services, calorie labeling, and advertising restrictions, and proposes additional strategies like public awareness campaigns and promotion of healthy food choices. The analysis emphasizes the importance of commitment, weight loss programs, and collaborative efforts to combat obesity and improve public health outcomes, leveraging resources and information available on platforms like Desklib for further study and support.

Case Study

Table of Contents
Introduction 250-500.......................................................................................................................3
Problem Statement 250-500.............................................................................................................3
Global Health Strategy 750-1000....................................................................................................4
Conclusion 250................................................................................................................................4
References .......................................................................................................................................5

Introduction
The term global health is defined as a crucial factor in helping and maintaining the level
of global security and global health is vital as it allows to enhance the health of people globally
by having access to the various health care services for all (Wadden and Bray, 2018). The global
health challenge that will be explained in the report will be Obesity in UK and as stated in the
Health Survey, it was evaluated that around twenty eight percent of adults are suffering from the
global issue that is obesity. And thirty-six percent people are overweight and the survey also
concluded that men are more obese as compared to women mainly from the age group of forty-
five to seventy-four years old. Along with it, in the underprivileged areas in UK, prevalence of
overweight is around nine percent which is higher than the least underprivileged areas. From the
year 1993, the percentage of adults who are obese has increased from 52.9 % to 64.3 %. Also,
the children living in the under privileged areas are more likely to be obese and the maps which
are based on population presents that there are various areas and regions of UK in which the
children are more obese as compared to other areas (Obesity Statistics, 2022). The report will
outline the strategies to tackle the global health problems for its people as the whole population
is being affected by this global issue irrespective of their age and gender. Obesity is a global
health problem that is a chronic disorder between genetic and environmental factors. As it is also
associated with various chronic diseases such as cancers, stroke, diabetes, heart diseases and
many others. Almost all the countries invest in protecting their people from attacks but not from
attacks of health issues. Such issues can be deadly for their people, their economy and the nation.
The report will also present detailed information about obesity, the impact of global healthcare
challenges and the importance of global strategies for the chosen country (Jeong and et.al.,2018).
Problem Statement
Obesity exists in the UK and develops with time due to a lazy lifestyle and poor diet such as
eating excessive amounts of junk with processed food (Yu and et.al., 2018). The level of
physical activity has also reduced because of the availability of cars and desk-bound
employment. Almost all people have jobs that involve sitting at a desk and rarely doing exercise
or physical activities. The recommendation of the Department of Health and Social Care
suggests that people should work out for at least 150 minutes can be walking, cycling, cardio,

aerobics or any physical body workout (An, Ji and Zhang, 2018). Many factors influence the
body weight which are the causes of obesity and affects the life of people. Brief analysis of
factors that contribute to the health challenge are explained below-
 Unhealthy diets: Karolina K. and Dominik R. (2013), stated that around ten percent of
world's school aged children are obese and have excess body weight. It can also be said
that every fifth child is suffering from excess body weight. Another factor that
contributed to the health challenge is unhealthy diets and various bad eating habits for
example eating highly processed food and calorie rich food while sitting in front of
laptops and screens. Eating unhealthy diet is one of the main risks for a range of diseases
like obesity, cancer, diabetes and other issues. The main reason for obesity is caused by
consuming more food and calories which are rich in sugary, sweet, fried and fatty food
items. That is why people are recommended to have a healthy diet which comprises of
having more fruit, vegetable, nuts, protein, grains and also reducing the salt and sugar in
diet can be very helpful (Bad eating habits as the main cause of obesity among children).
 Nature of individuals environment: As the world and society around the people also
create a major impact on their overall health and the ability to maintain ideal and healthy
weight. Such as when the country has less parks, affordable gyms, sidewalks and many
others which lead to make it difficult for the people to be physically active. Along with it,
the portion size is also responsible for eating more with more calories which makes it
more though for people to stay in shape (Ghanemi. and St-Amand, 2018).
 Less physical activities and too much television: One of the main factors is watching
too much television because it has replaced all the physical activities. This lead to
increase the negative consequences of patters and food habits. While television can be a
good source for spreading correct information about having healthy habits, good nutrition
and obesity prevention ways (Scarpina and et.al., 2022). The risks of obesity are
dangerous that is why, it is required to tackle the life-threatening issues.

Along with it, obesity is responsible for affecting the quality of life and tend to bring various
problems such as depression, diabetes, low self-esteem, strokes, snoring, back pain, feeling
isolated, increased sweating, blood pressure issues, metabolic syndrome, various types of
syndromes, reduced fertility and so on (Sun and et,al., 2021).
Global Health Strategy
Obesity is a serious disease and in today's time, obesity is said to be the main health
challenge in which Covid-19 has contributed more (Gow and et,al., 2020). UK is facing this
long-term health issue and obesity is linked with reduced life expectancy and it is the risk for a
range of chronic disease. It is also responsible for affecting the mental health also and many
people have attempted to reduce weight but have struggled due to their constant food
temptations. Special deals and promos in supermarkets persuade them to buy foods that are not
on their shopping list yet are difficult to refuse. When the people go out to eat, they don't always
know how many calories are in the food they are served. They are genetically wired to eat, and it
is difficult to eat properly when the people are flooded with food commercials and promotions.
Therefore, people are also required to understand that health is a great investment in the future.
The government of the UK has also taken an initiative in the context of obesity which is
“Tackling Obesity” in which the government has taken preventive measures that will help the
people in losing their weight. Under which the government has made the announcement in
relation to increase the weight management services. The environment has a significant impact
on a person's behaviours and lifestyle. The surroundings have a direct impact on the health as
sedentary behaviour has become more prevalent in today's culture. For example, driving cars has
replaced walking, technology has replaced physical exercise, and convenience foods have
replaced nutrition. These changes lead to bring unhealthy habits, poor food choices which are
high in calories. If obesity is not managed properly then it can get worse that is why weight
management is a must with mindful eating, better choices, physical activities will contribute in
maintaining and improving the overall health. Along with it, the government will also offer
primary care networks which will train the people to become health coaches by providing the
best training. Moreover, the government can also encourage local authorities which can be done
by expanding their provision of weight management services. The government has also said that
the food environment also plays an important role in maintaining health goals. That is why it has
announced various policies which are as follows-

 New laws will be needed for the restaurants, takeaways and cafes such as by adding
calorie labels in the food they sell and present.
 Various companies will be shifted towards doing promotion of healthier choices also
bringing new and additional offers for food like fruits and vegetables. Along with it, new
regulations will limit the promotion of high-fat, high-sugar items, such as "buy one, get
one free" deals. These things will also be prohibited from being displayed in important
locations of stores, such as at checkout process and entrances, as well as online.
 Another preventive suggestion presented by the government is to ban the advertisements
on TV and online before nine pm because advertising is something which can create a
major impact on children. It can formulate their eating habits and their preferences at a
young age.
A preventive global strategy that can be made in order to cure this serious issue is explained
below-
 Introducing a new campaign by making use of tools and informative apps which will
provide tips on how to lose weight. Some legislations should be brought by the UK
government in order to reduce and end the promotion of food which are high in sugar, fat
and salt.
 The government and food companies should promote about healthy food items instead of
junk food. Along with it, the companies are required to share real calories labelling on all
the food items. People will be promoted by eating a healthy diet with proper foods,
vegetables, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
 Empowering all the population by motivating and giving them the right amount of
knowledge and information by making healthy choices. Another strategy is to promote
healthier food habits by connecting with retailers, schools, hospitals and education
centers, workplaces, homes, and many others. People should practice mindful eating by
eating slow and avoiding such situations which lead to making them eat more
One can also take help from trained healthcare professionals so that they can provide knowledge
about the technique to eat food and have drinks (Keaver and et.al.,2020).

Conclusion
From the above analysis, it can be concluded that global health issues will arise in the
coming years, especially obesity and there is no fixed formula to reduce the global issue
mentioned above. It will take efforts, commitment and weight loss programmes in order to
resolve the issues. The above-mentioned report highlighted the importance of the global
healthcare challenge in the chosen country. It can be said that obesity in the UK is one of the
main health concerns that also lead to some serious issues like death. It is considered to be the
main health issue within UK and internationally both on the other hand child obesity is also a
main public health issue. The child who are obese, they are likely to have more chances of
greater risks of health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, depression and many others.
The report concluded that obesity is a disease and it comprises of extra fat accumulation and
increased BMI. The main reason for it by having fat diet, genetic, lack of physical activity,
excessive eating habits and lazy lifestyle. Hence, with the help of new strategies the country can
prevent its people from global issue. The report assisted to understand about the global issue in a
particular country with its global strategy to deal it. Further, the case study helped in evaluating
the healthcare challenge strategy the way it was developed and implemented. Along with it, it
demonstrated the analysis of potential with actual barriers for the purpose of successful
implementation.

References
Books and Journals
World Health Organization, 2020. Overweight and obesity.
Wadden, T.A. and Bray, G.A. eds., 2018. Handbook of obesity treatment. Guilford Publications.
Jeong, Y., Heo, S., Lee, G. and Park, W., 2018. Pre-obesity and obesity impacts on passive joint
range of motion. Ergonomics, 61(9), pp.1223-1231.
Yu, C.Y., Woo, A., Hawkins, C. and Iman, S., 2018. The impacts of residential segregation on
obesity. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 15(11), pp.834-839.
An, R., Ji, M. and Zhang, S., 2018. Global warming and obesity: a systematic review. Obesity
Reviews, 19(2), pp.150-163.
Ghanemi, A. and St-Amand, J., 2018. Redefining obesity toward classifying as a
disease. European journal of internal medicine, 55, pp.20-22.
Gow, M.L., Tee, M.S., Garnett, S.P., Baur, L.A., Aldwell, K., Thomas, S., Lister, N.B., Paxton,
S.J. and Jebeile, H., 2020. Pediatric obesity treatment, self‐esteem, and body image: A
systematic review with meta‐analysis. Pediatric obesity, 15(3), p.e12600.
Keaver, L., Xu, B., Jaccard, A. and Webber, L., 2020. Morbid obesity in the UK: A modelling
projection study to 2035. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 48(4), pp.422-427.
Sun, S., He, J., Shen, B., Fan, X., Chen, Y. and Yang, X., 2021. Obesity as a “self-regulated
epidemic”: Coverage of obesity in Chinese newspapers. Eating and Weight Disorders-Studies on
Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity, 26(2), pp.569-584.
Scarpina, F., Paschino, C., Scacchi, M., Mauro, A. and Sedda, A., 2022. Does physical weight
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