Obesity is usually defined as a BMI (Body Mass Index) score of greater than 30 kg/m². BMI is calculated by;
However, many people think that using this formula as an indicator of obesity is misleading since it doesn’t take into consideration the location of fat, for example; nor does it take into account the presence of muscle which is denser so people with more muscle will appear to have a greater BMI. Other methods, such as the waist-to-hip ratio have proved more effective and many studies have shown links between have a high waist-to-hip ratio and developing cardiovascular disease, even though one’s BMI is considered to be ‘normal’, the most dangerous fat is abdominal fat around the waist known as visceral fat. This article is well explained and gives alternatives to the BMI http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265215.php.
Unfortunately, one of the great crises of our modern era is the rise of obesity. With the technology having an ever greater role in our lives our dependence on it has detrimental effects on our health. The impacts of excessive technology use is seen in most Western societies with obesity rates soaring in the USA, UK and other developed nations. However, this trend has also been seen in developing nations as they catch-up with the rest of the world in terms of technology, leaving their previous lifestyle behind, usually due to globalisation.
According to the WHO (World Health Organisation) in 2014, 34.9% of females and 33.6% of males were considered ‘obese’ in the USA (a BMI of greater than 30) ranked 11th in the world. Surprisingly, the top 10 all consist of Pacific Island countries such as the Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Tonga and Samoa. This is surprising due to those living in the Pacific islands are considered to have balanced diet, high in protein from a variety of fish and fresh vegetables. However, this traditional cultural has been eroded with more and more islanders consuming canned goods rather than fresh produce which are one of the main reasons for such high obesity rates. On the other hand the Islanders have a naturally ‘larger build’ – something known as the ‘Thrifty Gene’.
As previously mentioned, technology plays a huge role in the development of obesity, a phenomenon seen in children as they exercise less and use technology more. This deadly combination has lead soaring obesity rates amongst children which has put a massive strain on our national health service. “Obesity among four- and five-year-olds – those in Reception year at school – hit 9.3%, up from 9.1%.” according the NCMP (via the BBC)
“Research has also shown that twice as many children and three times as many adolescents are suffering from obesity than just 30 years ago based on increased body mass index scores (National Center for Health Statistics, 2012; Ogden, Carroll, Kit, & Flegal, 2012). In particular, during that same 30-year period, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the percentage of obese 6- to 11-year-olds increased from 7% to 18% while the percentage of obese 12- to 19-year-olds increased similarly from 5% to 18% (CDC, 2013a).”
Various studies have illustrated the link between increased screen time and obesity or being overweight. Children and adolescents who spent more time in front of screens have higher BMIs usually due to a lack of physical activity since more time is spent sitting down, leading an inactive life. The prominence of this sedentary lifestyle isn’t limited to children but rather adults as well. Parents are usually the main culprits as they set negative habits for their children. In addition, our changing society means that there is less family time as there are longer hours for both parents. This leads to insufficient time to cook meals by hand so fast food is preferred. As most people know this is the unhealthy option, but most see it as the fastest. Now that we can order fast food more easily than ever this trend is only going to increase unless something changes. Parents and carers need to be aware of the dangers too much technology as well as a poor diet has. A healthy diet is fundamental in the development of children and processed foods which are present in every cupboard and fridge do not help.
Cooking quick, healthy, nutritious (and tasty) meals are super simple! And I will share a few of my favourites shortly (stay tuned!). Meals time should be something fun for all the family to get involved in , a time when we learn about were are food comes from and its functions – this way the next generations don’t face the same problems.
To conclude technology can be a tool in healthy eating although too much screen time (especially for children) and little physical activity are a cocktail for disaster. Balance is the key!
TheNutritionBlog
See disclaimer.
***sources/interesting reads***
http://edition.cnn.com/2015/05/01/health/pacific-islands-obesity/index.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4338000/
http://gamapserver.who.int/gho/interactive_charts/ncd/risk_factors/obesity/atlas.html
(interesting interactive map!)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-37859484
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/nov/03/child-obesity-rising-again-nhs-report-reveals
TheNutritionBlog 
Great information!! Such a good read
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thanks, much appreciated!
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