It’s no mystery why obesity rates are high in the U.S. with our plentiful array of fast food options and unlimited access to sugary sodas. But now other areas of the world are getting their junk food fix, which will affect rates in countries that traditionally have healthy, well-rounded diets.
New studies, published last week in special issues of The Lancet and Lancet Global Health on obesity, broke down how food-consumption habits in certain areas of the world are going down hill fast. Part of the problem is the fact that many junk food items are marketed toward kids, so these habits are being engrained at an early age.
The New York Times reported how these concerning changes are showing up in various countries:
With the Rise of AI, What IP Disputes in Healthcare Are Likely to Emerge?
Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
An alarming pattern is emerging in Brazil, Vietnam, South Africa, India, Mexico and other formerly poor countries as they become richer, one study found: Many children are stunted in height from poor nutrition and yet obese.
In Egypt, one study found, stunting in toddlers increased after 2003 because home poultry flocks were culled to stop H5N1 avian flu.
At the same time, advertising of soft drinks, snacks and sugary cereals to children increased on television and in apps and online games; spending on Coke and Pepsi advertising alone in Arab countries rose to $400 million in 2012 from $40 million six years earlier.
Per-capita consumption of Coke tripled in Egypt over the last 20 years, and the number of McDonald’s outlets went from four in 1994 to 56 in 2013. A 2011 survey of Egyptian teenagers found that a third were overweight.
Although this isn’t entirely surprising, the rate at which these areas are becoming more accustomed to Western junk food is a bit startling. The U.S. isn’t exactly a good role model when it comes to obesity, but hopefully these numbers don’t continue to increase so rapidly.
