What are effective strategies to combat obesity at state and local levels. How can communities implement evidence-based interventions to promote healthy eating and active living. Which guidelines and recommendations exist for obesity prevention across different settings.

Nutrition and Physical Activity: Cornerstones of Obesity Prevention

Obesity prevention requires a multi-faceted approach focusing on nutrition and physical activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed comprehensive guides to help communities implement effective strategies:

• The CDC Guide to Strategies to Increase Physical Activity in the Community
• The CDC Guide to Strategies to Increase the Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables
• The CDC Guide to Breastfeeding Interventions

These resources provide evidence-based recommendations for program managers, policymakers, and community leaders to promote healthier lifestyles. But how can these strategies be effectively implemented at the local level?

Built Environment Approaches

One key recommendation from the Community Preventive Services Task Force is to combine transportation system interventions with land use and environmental design. This approach aims to create communities that naturally encourage physical activity through improved pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. What specific changes can communities make?

• Develop connected sidewalk networks
• Create dedicated bike lanes and paths
• Design mixed-use neighborhoods with residential and commercial areas in close proximity
• Improve access to public transit
• Increase green spaces and recreational facilities

By implementing these changes, communities can make it easier and more appealing for residents to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines.

Community-Level Strategies for Obesity Prevention

The CDC has outlined 24 recommended obesity prevention strategies that local governments and school districts can implement. These strategies focus on environmental and policy-level changes to promote healthy eating and active living. What are some examples of these strategies?

• Increasing availability of healthier food and beverage choices in public service venues
• Improving access to outdoor recreational facilities
• Enhancing personal safety in areas where people are or could be physically active
• Encouraging communities to organize for change

To assist in implementation, the CDC provides an Implementation and Measurement Guide. This resource helps communities put these strategies into action and measure their impact. How can local governments make the case for investing in these strategies?

The CDC has developed a presentation titled “Healthy Communities: What Local Governments Can Do to Reduce and Prevent Obesity.” This tool is designed to help local government staff articulate the importance of investing in evidence-based obesity prevention strategies.

Early Care and Education: A Critical Intervention Point

Early childhood is a crucial time for establishing healthy habits. The CDC has developed a framework known as the Spectrum of Opportunities for obesity prevention in Early Care and Education (ECE) settings. What does this framework entail?

The Spectrum identifies ways that states and communities can support child care and early education facilities in achieving recommended standards and best practices for obesity prevention. These standards align with comprehensive national ECE guidelines addressing:

• Nutrition
• Infant feeding
• Physical activity
• Screen time

The guidelines are detailed in “Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards,” which serves as a foundational resource for ECE providers.

Building Equity into ECE Strategies

An essential aspect of ECE obesity prevention work is ensuring equity. How can states and local communities incorporate equity into their ECE policies and activities?

• Conduct needs assessments to identify underserved populations
• Develop culturally appropriate interventions
• Ensure access to high-quality ECE programs for all families
• Address social determinants of health that impact early childhood obesity

By prioritizing equity, communities can work towards reducing disparities in childhood obesity rates and promoting health for all children.

School-Based Approaches to Combating Obesity

Schools play a vital role in shaping children’s health behaviors. The CDC has developed School Health Guidelines to Promote Healthy Eating and Physical Activity. What do these guidelines cover?

The guidelines provide nine key recommendations for developing, implementing, and evaluating school-based policies and practices for students in grades K-12. These guidelines address:

• Establishing a supportive school environment
• Providing quality physical education
• Offering healthy food and beverage options
• Implementing health education curricula
• Engaging families and communities

How can schools effectively implement these guidelines? The CDC provides resources to assist schools and program coordinators in informing stakeholders and school health services staff about obesity facts, engaging students, and managing chronic health conditions.

Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs

One effective approach is the implementation of Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs (CSPAP). What components make up a CSPAP?

• Quality physical education
• Physical activity during school
• Physical activity before and after school
• Staff involvement
• Family and community engagement

By adopting a CSPAP, schools can ensure that students have multiple opportunities throughout the day to be physically active, contributing to obesity prevention efforts.

Community-Wide Approaches to Obesity Prevention

Effective obesity prevention requires engagement beyond schools and ECE settings. The Community Guide provides free resources to help communities choose programs and policies for obesity prevention and control. What types of interventions does the Community Guide recommend?

• Worksite programs
• Technology-supported coaching or counseling interventions
• Community-wide campaigns
• Social support interventions in community settings
• Individually-adapted health behavior change programs

How can communities determine which interventions are most appropriate for their specific needs and resources? The Community Guide offers evidence-based recommendations and implementation strategies to help decision-makers select and adapt interventions for their local context.

Creating Supportive Environments

Community-wide approaches often focus on creating environments that support healthy choices. What are some examples of environmental changes that can promote obesity prevention?

• Improving access to healthy foods through farmers’ markets and community gardens
• Implementing Complete Streets policies to make roads safer for all users
• Developing shared-use agreements to increase access to recreational facilities
• Enhancing public transportation to reduce reliance on cars
• Creating workplace wellness programs

By making these environmental changes, communities can make it easier for residents to make healthier choices in their daily lives.

Clinical Guidelines for Obesity Prevention and Management

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in obesity prevention and management. Several organizations have developed clinical guidelines to assist healthcare professionals in addressing obesity. What are some key clinical guidelines for obesity prevention?

• Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents
• U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations for obesity screening in pediatric primary care
• American Academy of Pediatrics Expert Committee Recommendations
• 2013 Guideline on the Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk

These guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for screening, prevention, and treatment of obesity across different age groups. How can healthcare providers effectively implement these guidelines in their practice?

Screening and Early Intervention

One key aspect of clinical obesity prevention is early screening and intervention. What are the current recommendations for obesity screening in children?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening all children aged 6 years and older for obesity and offering or referring them to comprehensive, intensive behavioral weight management interventions when appropriate. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests screening children as young as 2 years old and providing tiered care for prevention and treatment.

Comprehensive Approach to Obesity Management

Effective obesity management requires a comprehensive approach. What components should be included in obesity management programs?

• Dietary modifications
• Increased physical activity
• Behavior change strategies
• Family involvement
• Long-term follow-up and support

By incorporating these elements, healthcare providers can offer more effective interventions for patients struggling with obesity.

Innovative Approaches to Obesity Prevention

As our understanding of obesity continues to evolve, new and innovative approaches to prevention are emerging. What are some cutting-edge strategies being explored in obesity prevention?

Technological Interventions

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in obesity prevention efforts. How can technology be leveraged to promote healthier behaviors?

• Mobile apps for tracking diet and physical activity
• Wearable devices that monitor movement and provide feedback
• Virtual reality experiences that make exercise more engaging
• Telemedicine platforms for remote weight management counseling
• Social media campaigns to promote healthy lifestyles

These technological interventions can provide personalized support and motivation for individuals trying to maintain a healthy weight.

Policy-Level Interventions

Policy changes can have a significant impact on obesity rates at a population level. What innovative policy approaches are being considered or implemented?

• Sugar-sweetened beverage taxes
• Menu labeling requirements
• Restrictions on marketing of unhealthy foods to children
• Zoning laws to limit fast food density in certain areas
• Incentives for grocery stores to locate in food deserts

These policy interventions aim to create environments that make healthy choices easier and more accessible for all community members.

Community-Based Participatory Research

Engaging communities in the development and implementation of obesity prevention strategies can lead to more effective and sustainable interventions. How does community-based participatory research (CBPR) contribute to obesity prevention efforts?

CBPR involves collaboration between researchers and community members to identify local needs, develop culturally appropriate interventions, and evaluate their effectiveness. This approach can lead to more tailored and acceptable obesity prevention strategies that address the unique challenges and resources of specific communities.

Addressing Health Disparities in Obesity Prevention

Obesity rates are not evenly distributed across populations, with certain groups experiencing higher rates due to various social, economic, and environmental factors. How can obesity prevention efforts address these health disparities?

Culturally Tailored Interventions

Developing culturally appropriate interventions is crucial for reaching diverse populations. What strategies can be employed to create more culturally tailored obesity prevention programs?

• Engaging community leaders and members in program development
• Incorporating traditional foods and cultural practices into nutrition education
• Addressing language barriers in health communication materials
• Considering cultural norms and values in physical activity promotion
• Training healthcare providers in cultural competence

By tailoring interventions to the specific needs and preferences of different cultural groups, obesity prevention efforts can be more effective and inclusive.

Addressing Social Determinants of Health

Obesity is often influenced by broader social and economic factors. How can obesity prevention strategies address these social determinants of health?

• Improving access to affordable, healthy foods in low-income neighborhoods
• Enhancing safety and walkability in underserved communities
• Addressing housing instability and its impact on health behaviors
• Promoting economic opportunities to reduce poverty-related stress
• Advocating for policies that reduce health inequities

By addressing these underlying factors, communities can create more equitable environments that support healthy lifestyles for all residents.

Evaluating and Improving Obesity Prevention Efforts

To ensure the effectiveness of obesity prevention strategies, ongoing evaluation and improvement are essential. How can communities assess the impact of their obesity prevention efforts?

Data Collection and Analysis

Collecting and analyzing data is crucial for understanding the effectiveness of obesity prevention interventions. What types of data should communities collect?

• Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements
• Dietary intake patterns
• Physical activity levels
• Environmental changes (e.g., new bike lanes, healthy food outlets)
• Policy implementation metrics

By systematically collecting and analyzing this data, communities can track progress and identify areas for improvement in their obesity prevention efforts.

Continuous Quality Improvement

Implementing a continuous quality improvement (CQI) approach can help communities refine and enhance their obesity prevention strategies over time. What are the key components of a CQI process for obesity prevention?

• Regular review of program data and outcomes
• Stakeholder feedback collection
• Identification of areas for improvement
• Development and implementation of improvement plans
• Monitoring of changes and their impact

By adopting a CQI approach, communities can ensure that their obesity prevention efforts remain effective and responsive to changing needs and circumstances.

In conclusion, addressing the obesity epidemic requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that engages various sectors of society. By implementing evidence-based strategies, leveraging technology, addressing health disparities, and continuously evaluating and improving efforts, communities can make significant strides in preventing obesity and promoting healthier lifestyles for all residents.

Prevention Strategies & Guidelines | Overweight & Obesity

• Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Prevention Strategies
• Early Care and Education Strategies
• School Health Guidelines
• Community Guide
• Clinical Guidelines

To reverse the obesity epidemic, places and practices need to support healthy eating and active living in many settings. Below are recommended strategies to prevent obesity.

Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Prevention Strategies

The CDC Guide to Strategies to Increase Physical Activity in the Community [PDF-1.2MB] provides guidance for program managers, policy makers, and others on how to select strategies to increase physical activity.

Physical Activity: Built Environment Approaches Combining Transportation System Interventions with Land Use and Environmental Design
The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends built environment strategies that combine one or more interventions to improve pedestrian or bicycle transportation systems with one or more land use and environmental design interventions to increase physical activity.

The CDC Guide to Strategies to Increase the Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables [PDF-2.1MB] provides guidance for program managers, policy makers, and others on how to select strategies to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables.

The CDC Guide to Breastfeeding Interventions provides state and local community members information to choose the breastfeeding intervention strategy that best meets their needs.

Recommended Community Strategies and Measurements to Prevent Obesity in the United States [PDF-376KB] contains 24 recommended obesity prevention strategies focusing on environmental and policy level change initiatives that can be implemented by local governments and school districts to promote healthy eating and active living.

• Implementation and Measurement Guide [PDF-2.6MB] can help communities implement the recommended obesity prevention strategies and report on the associated measurements.
• Healthy Communities: What Local Governments Can Do to Reduce and Prevent Obesity [PPT-8. 5MB] is a presentation developed for use by local government staff that makes the case for investing in CDC’s Recommended Community Strategies and Measurements to Prevent Obesity in the United States [PDF – 375KB] . Also available in a PDF version [PDF-3.8MB].

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Early Care and Education Strategies

CDC’s framework for obesity prevention, in the ECE setting is known as the Spectrum of Opportunities [PDF-666KB]. The Spectrum identifies ways that states, and to some extent communities, can support child care and early education facilities to achieve recommended standards and best practices for obesity prevention. The Spectrum aligns with comprehensive national ECE standards for obesity prevention address nutrition, infant feeding, physical activity and screen time, Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards (CFOC), 3rd ed.

School Health Guidelines

School Health Guidelines to Promote Healthy Eating and Physical Activity provides nine guidelines that serve as the foundation for developing, implementing, and evaluating school-based healthy eating and physical activity policies and practices for students in grades K-12.

The following resources are designed to assist schools and program coordinators to inform stakeholders and school health services staff on obesity facts, engaging students and managing chronic health conditions.

Community Guide

The Community Guide – Obesity Prevention and Control is a free resource to help you choose programs and policies to prevent and control obesity in your community.

Clinical Guidelines

Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents [PDF-3.26MB] This resource summarizes the integrated guidelines develop by the Federal Government to address cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents.

Screening for Obesity in Pediatric Primary Care: Recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Guidance for primary care providers in screening for obesity and offering or referring to comprehensive, intensive behavioral weight management interventions.

Expert Committee Recommendations The American Academy of Pediatrics released the Expert Committee Recommendations that suggest screening all children for obesity (>=2 years) and providing tiers of care regarding the treatment and prevention of obesity.

2013 Guideline on the Assessment of Cardiovascular RiskThis is a Report of the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

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Priority Obesity Strategy: Early Care and Education (ECE) Policies and Activities | Overweight & Obesity

Equity

• Build equity into state and local ECE work.
  • Expand and diversify ECE coalitions to include ECE care providers and various cultural and socio-economic groups.*
  • Create cultural and linguistic translations of support and guidance products that work for the populations served.*
  • Participate in federal programs that reimburse ECE providers caring for children in families that meet income eligibility such as your state’s Child and Adult Care Food Program and Child Care and Development Fund.+
  • Use a health equity assessment tool, such as those in the Health Equity Resources section below, to inform the work. *
  • Use data sets, such as the Child Opportunity Index, to identify communities and areas with the greatest health disparities for the program’s focus.*

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Activities for State and Local Communities by Spectrum Area

Licensing and Administrative Regulations: Each state sets ECE regulations, making regulations an important area for potential policy interventions. Use your state’s ECE licensing scorecard to see what obesity prevention standards are included. Learn more about state licensing efforts and ways to advance this Spectrum area.*

Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS)

Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS): QRIS is a systematic approach to assessing, communicating, and improving quality in ECE programs. See if your state has incorporated any of the 47 high-impact obesity prevention best practices into its state QRIS system here.*

Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): This nutrition program from the US Department of Agriculture can help reimburse participating ECE programs for supporting breastfeeding parents and serving healthy meals and snacks to eligible children in their care. See if your state has a CACFP map.

• State: Identify ECE programs participating in CACFP in your state and any gaps in participation associated with geographic and socially vulnerable areas.*
  • As needed, increase participation through activities such education or promotional materials, technical assistance, and outreach.+
• Local: Educate eligible ECE programs in your community about the CACFP program.*
  • Consider efforts to increase participation such as mentoring or outreach efforts.+

Professional Development: Professional development refers to ongoing professional training for ECE providers to learn about best practices and advance their knowledge and skills on a topic.

• State: Inventory professional development modules or trainings available to help ECE providers learn about nutrition, physical activity, breastfeeding, Farm to ECE or other relevant topics and create or update trainings as needed. *
  • Promote the use of modules and trainings to reach as many ECE providers as possible.+ Reduce common barriers, such as cost, language, and distance, that hinder professional development opportunities for ECE providers.
• Local: Promote state modules or trainings for ECE providers in your community.*
  • Reduce common barriers, such as cost, language, and distance, that hinder professional development opportunities for ECE programs and providers.+

Statewide Intervention Programs: Evidence-based interventions can help ECE programs improve their polices, practices, and nutrition and physical activity offerings. See the SNAP-ED Toolkit for examples such as GO NAPSACC, CATCH Early Childhood, Cooking Matters, and Harvest for Healthy Kids.

• State: Identify an evidence-based intervention that all ECE programs in your state can implement to help improve nutrition and physical activity policies and practices. Work with ECE programs in your state to the use the intervention+
• Local: Determine if your state has an evidence-based intervention. If so, work with ECE programs in your community to use the intervention or tool. If not, consider if GO NAPSACC or another intervention is right for your community.+

Statewide Recognition Programs: State-branded recognition programs recognize ECE programs that meet criteria on a particular topic. Many states have breastfeeding friendly, healthy childcare, or other nutrition or physical activity recognition programs.

• State: Find out if your state has a recognition program. Work with partners to implement or increase use, as appropriate.+ If your state does not have a program, consider working with your state’s ECE partners to create one.
• Local: Find out if your state has any ECE recognition programs.
  • If so, provide information and encourage community ECE programs not yet participating to enroll or consider taking part in a pilot. +
  • If not, consider working with your state’s ECE partners to create one.+

Statewide Technical Assistance Networks: State technical assistance (TA) networks provide ECE programs with individualized help on a variety of topics. Common TA providers include staff at state childcare resource and referral agencies, local health departments, childcare health consultants, SNAP-Ed coordinators, and ECE trainers.

• State: Identify existing groups that provide TA to ECE programs.*
• Work with TA networks and TA providers to increase knowledge and build ECE program capacity on topic such as nutrition, physical activity, breastfeeding, outdoor learning, and Farm to ECE among ECE providers. If your state uses an evidence-based intervention or a recognition program, encourage TA providers to use the state-sponsored intervention or recognition programs with ECE programs they serve.+
• Local: Find out who provides support and TA to ECE programs in your community. *
• Work with TA networks and TA providers to increase TA on nutrition, physical activity, breastfeeding, outdoor learning, or Farm to ECE.+

Access to healthy environments:

Farm to ECE programs provide increased exposure and access to local produce, opportunities to learn about nutrition and agriculture, and hands-on learning through gardening

• State:
  • Join or start a Farm to ECE Coalition to advance Farm to ECE.*
  • Engage local and regional food system and ECE partners.+
  • Build capacity through training and TA opportunities.+
• Local:
  • Learn what your state has done to advance Farm to ECE.*
  • Connect with state and local Farm to ECE coalitions and partners, work to engage community ECE programs on Farm to ECE, and build capacity through training and TA opportunities.+

Outdoor Learning Environments (OLEs) help young children be more physically active while they play, discover, and connect with nature.

• State: Build capacity and knowledge about OLEs through training and TA.
  • Find out if there is a state network of professionals who can help design and implement OLEs featuring OLE best practices.*
  • Create and distribute resources for professionals from key disciplines such as landscape architects, ECE staff, horticulturalists, ECE licensing professionals, and nature play specialists, who can support ECE facilities in implementing high-quality OLEs.+
• Local:
  • Identify what your state has done to increase access to high-quality OLEs.*
  • Connect with state and local coalitions and partners and engage ECE programs in your community in OLE through training and TA opportunities.+

Communication

Evaluation

Health Equity

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Resources

CDC’s Spectrum of Opportunities Framework
Describes nine components for states and communities to consider when improving policies, practices, and environments in ECE programs. Related resources include:

• Spectrum of Opportunities for Obesity Prevention in Early Care and Education [PDF-665KB] is a summary graphic with examples of potential activities in the nine spectrum areas.
• Quick Start Action Guide for Obesity Prevention in ECE [PDF-550KB] provides action steps to plan new or expand existing efforts to promote healthy eating, physical activity, and breastfeeding in ECE. Includes partnership worksheets and can be adapted for local use.
• Also see Go NAPSACC in the Spectrum of Opportunities [PDF-239KB]

Strategies to Prevent and Manage Obesity in the ECE Setting
Includes background on the ECE setting, key CDC publications, and resources.

Early Care and Education State Indicator Report (2016)
Highlights how states have advanced seven Spectrum of Opportunities areas. Use to understand existing efforts to improve ECE programs and help ECE providers implement nutrition, physical activity, breastfeeding, and Farm to ECE support and reduce screen time.

Farm to Preschool: Local Food and Learning in Early Care and Education Settings
Fact sheet includes tips for growing a program.

Healthy Kids, Healthy Future
Resources for ECE trainers, providers, and state and local leaders.

• Diversity Data Kids: Child Opportunity Index
• Mapping CACFP Participation
• CDC/ATSDR Social Vulnerability Index

Health Equity Resources

• Diversity Data Kids: Early Childhood Equity Reports, State Examples, and Resources
• Equity Starts Early: Addressing Racial Inequities in Child Care and Early Education Policies [PDF-1.36MB] (Executive Summary, CLASP: The Center for Law and Social Policy)
• National Farm to School Network: Racial and Social Equity Assessment Tool for Farm to School Program and Policy
• Vision and Key Strategies to Advance Farm to Early Care and Education [PDF-250KB]

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What Others Are Doing

Advancing Farm to ECE
Provides overview of Farm to ECE and includes short stories from seven states.

New Mexico Early Care and Education Centers Create Lasting Wellness Changes 
Describes a policy toolkit for putting policy changes into practice.

Making Health Easier: Healthy Changes Start in Preschool
Highlights Los Angeles Universal Preschool’s efforts to teach children healthy habits by incorporating small, healthy changes that can be made in any classroom

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There will be a new way to fight obesity

November 29, 2021, 07:00

Partner material

The fight against the global epidemic of obesity has become one of the most urgent problems of humanity in the 21st century. Possible ways to solve it were discussed by representatives of the authorities and expert communities during the October forum “Obesity, metabolism and life expectancy”, which was held under the auspices of the All-Russian Union of Patients in Moscow.

The forum brought together representatives of the Ministry of Health of Russia, regional authorities, employees of the WHO Russian Bureau, leading experts in the field of endocrinology, internal medicine, cardiology, nutrition, bariatric surgery, clinical pharmacology, representatives of the scientific community and the pharmaceutical industry, who discussed the most effective ways to solve a global problem epidemics of obesity and metabolic diseases. Novo Nordisk was the general sponsor of the forum.

According to the WHO, today every third person on the planet is overweight: the problem of obesity, metabolic health and related diseases is no coincidence called the “epidemic of the XXI century”. The most convenient formula by which to check for obesity is the body mass index (BMI). It is calculated as the ratio of body weight to the square of height in meters (kg / m²). A value above 25 indicates overweight, and above 30 indicates obesity. : Over 2.8 million people die every year due to obesity-related diseases.

In Europe, the prevalence of obesity ranges from 15-25% among the adult population. As for Russia, obesity was found in 21.6% of adults, and in general 40% of our compatriots are overweight. Russian women suffer from extra pounds more often than men (every third against every fifth). In total, according to WHO, 1.9 billion people over 18 years old were overweight in the world by 2016. Since 1975, their number has at least tripled.

The risk of developing certain chronic diseases is often associated with being overweight. A high BMI, according to studies, indicates a risk of developing heart and vascular diseases and often provokes type 2 diabetes. According to expert estimates, about 90% of people with this condition are overweight or obese.

How cities are linked to being overweight

Urbanization and reduced physical activity, mainly associated with sedentary work and the development of the transport system, as well as the consumption of high-calorie foods, are among the main reasons for the increase in the obesity epidemic. An abundance of simple, easily digestible foods and polyunsaturated fats in the diet is one of the easy ways to gain weight.

In rural areas, at first glance, the number of people with a high BMI should be less: here people are more engaged in physical labor, spend more time outdoors, they are not so densely surrounded by fast food restaurants and electric scooter rentals. However, data from a study published in the journal Nature suggests otherwise: on average, city dwellers gain weight no faster than rural dwellers. From 1985th to 2017, more than 55% of the increase in BMI came from those who live outside the city.

Reorganization of the public catering system can improve the urban environment. Thus, studies show that the presence of fast food within walking distance increases the risk of overweight in local residents. It has been proven that people who live in places where there are many fast food restaurants are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. The presence of ordinary restaurants near the house either does not affect the extra pounds at all, or even leads to the opposite, positive results.

A sample survey by Rosstat conducted in 2018 showed that Moscow has the lowest concentration of fast foods among Russian cities per 10,000 inhabitants: there are only three of them per 10,000 people, while in other cities varies around 6–7. This explains the smaller – in comparison with the rest of Russia – the consumption of calories by Muscovites (2320 kilocalories versus 2920) and sugar (21.3 kg versus 31.1 kg per year).

A sociological survey conducted by KB Strelka and Novo Nordisk as part of the Cities Beat Diabetes global program showed that Muscovites are more interested in eating places with healthy food than residents of other cities.

“Among the factors contributing to the prevention of obesity, in addition to the habit of leading a healthy lifestyle, one should not underestimate the role of a healthy urban environment,” notes Sergey Reshetnikov, Director General of Novo Nordisk LLC. “Unfortunately, the local features of the influence of the urban environment have not yet been sufficiently studied Launched by Novo Nordisk and partners in 2014 and launched in Moscow in July 2021, the Cities Beat Diabetes Global Program aims to explore the barriers and risk factors in the urban environment that hinder the prevention and control of obesity and diabetes. ”

Among other important points of the program is the creation of conditions in cities to stimulate the maintenance of physical activity by creating elements of urban planning with a high index of walking distance. Another element is the development of green areas. It has been proven that living near them reduces the risk of obesity and diabetes. Green areas have a low noise level, they are conducive to walks and physical activity, which also contributes to weight loss.

In general, to create a healthy environment in cities, it is necessary to attract specialists from various industries. And of course, such changes are difficult to imagine without the participation of city authorities.

How the obesity epidemic is affecting children

In many ways, being overweight in children is an underestimated problem: once a problem in high-income countries, it has now taken over almost the entire world. According to WHO, 41 million children under five years of age are overweight, and among the group of 5-19 years old – 340 million. Since 2000, the number of obese children in Africa has increased by 50%.

The long-term effect of this trend is also difficult to assess because excess weight gained in childhood can carry over into adulthood. Thus, in Russia, every fifth child is overweight or obese, and half of these children may be overweight into adulthood.

Speakers unanimously agreed that the problem of excess weight should cease to be a problem for each individual. After all, the diseases that it leads to affect the quality of life of people, their ability to work, increase the costs of the healthcare system and, in general, affect the well-being of the state. Therefore, it is most effective to solve this problem at the state level.

The current trend can be reversed by complex measures: it is necessary to improve diagnostics, including expanding screening programs for the early detection of overweight and obesity, provide access to innovative therapy, update clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of obesity, develop clinical guidelines for overweight, create a system of prevention and routing of patients. Representatives of the expert community discussed specific proposals during the Obesity, Metabolism and Lifespan Forum.

For example, in order to involve the child population in a healthy lifestyle, it is necessary to implement programs in schools and kindergartens to reduce and prevent risk factors for obesity in schoolchildren and preschoolers. For children who have already experienced it, the most innovative treatment methods should be available. The situation is already beginning to change: in medical institutions throughout the country, the mandatory entry of the child’s BMI into outpatient cards and the dispensary registration of children with obesity has been introduced.

According to the scientific director of the Institute of Pediatric Endocrinology “NMRC Endocrinology” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Valentina Peterkova, the problem of childhood obesity cannot be solved without the involvement of school administrations, education departments, social structures and without a wide range of medical specialists. “Obesity makes a huge contribution to reducing life expectancy. First of all, doctors and the public need to learn that obesity is a disease. This is a global interdepartmental problem. Without the help of the school, the department of education, social structures, and an integrated approach of all medical specialists, it cannot be solved. It is important to conduct educational activities, and this should be the main focus of our efforts,” says Valentina Peterkova.

In addition, the forum participants noted the need to supplement diagnostic studies within the framework of medical examinations and professional examinations. In particular, proposals were made for the widespread expansion of screening programs for various diseases and metabolic disorders, including for the early detection of anomalies associated with metabolic changes. Facilitating the access of patients to innovative therapy for obesity is possible if modern drugs are included in the program of state guarantees for the provision of free medical care, which is most important for people with morbid obesity.

In the current situation, the issues of overweight prevention deserve priority attention in terms of updating clinical guidelines for the treatment of obesity in children and adults.

During the forum, experts discussed many ways to solve the problem of obesity and announced the preparation of a roadmap, which will include specific proposals for changing legislation and developing measures to prevent and treat obesity. One of the most important proposals is to include obesity in the list of socially significant diseases in order to focus attention on the medical, social and economic consequences of this pathology, to develop special government programs to help such patients. This was announced by the co-chairman of the All-Russian Union of Patients Yuri Zhulev.

According to Ekaterina Troshina, Deputy Director of the National Research Center for Endocrinology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Director of the Institute of Human Clinical Endocrinology, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, it is important to prevent obesity in those who do not have it, and to help overcome those who already suffer from it.

“Today there is a problem of underdiagnosis of obesity as a disease. Less than a third of people with this disease have been diagnosed with this disease,” Troshina notes. “Both many doctors and many patients do not perceive obesity as a disease. takes about eight years. The late appeal makes the problem of public awareness of the importance and, in fact, the lethality of obesity, which kills more often than smoking, very urgent.”

A new obesity paradigm: causes and solutions

Contents

• 1 A new obesity paradigm
  • 1.1 A new obesity paradigm
  • 1.2 Obesity: causes and consequences 9 0068
  • 1.3 Influence of modern lifestyle
  • 1.4 Genetic factors and obesity
  • 1.5 Metabolic disorders and obesity
  • 1.6 The role of dietary supplements and carbohydrates
  • 1.7 Obesity as a social problem
  • 1.8 The link between stress and obesity
  • 1.9 Childhood obesity and its prevention
  • 1. 10 Sports and physical activity as a means of combating obesity
  • 1.11 Innovative treatments for obesity
  • 1.12 Related videos:
  • 1.13 Q&A:
    • • 1.13.0.1 Why has obesity become such a common problem in today’s society?
      • 1.13.0.2 What role do hormones play in obesity?
      • 1.13.0.3 Is there a genetic predisposition to obesity?
      • 1.13.0.4 How can I change my lifestyle to avoid obesity?

The New Obesity Paradigm: Current research shows that obesity is a more complex condition, driven not only by overnutrition and physical inactivity, but also by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Learn about new methods for diagnosing, treating and preventing obesity in this article.

The problem of obesity is becoming more and more urgent in modern society. Every year the number of overweight people is growing, which creates serious problems for both individuals and society as a whole. Obesity not only causes physical and psychological problems, but is also a risk factor for the development of serious diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even cancer.

Traditionally, the approach to combat obesity has been to control caloric intake and increase physical activity. However, modern research shows that the causes of obesity are much more complex, and traditional methods of malnutrition and lack of movement do not solve the problem in the bud. Moreover, such approaches often lead to weight loss, which is temporary and leads to the yo-yo effect.

A new paradigm in the problem of obesity considers not only physical aspects, but also psychological and social factors. Deviating from standard methods and finding new ways to tackle the problem of obesity are important steps in the fight against this epidemic. Research shows that emotional state, stress and depression are directly linked to food intake and obesity. In addition, social environment, genetic and biochemical factors also play a role in the development of obesity.

A new paradigm in the problem of obesity

Obesity has become one of the most pressing problems of modern society, and its prevalence continues to grow every year. However, recent research allows us to consider this problem from a new point of view, opening up a new paradigm in understanding the causes and solutions of obesity.

Another important component of the new paradigm is the awareness of the role of psychological factors in the development and maintenance of obesity. It turns out that emotional state, stress, depression and low self-esteem can be associated with improper eating behavior and reduced physical activity, which is one of the causes of weight gain.

Given the new paradigm, the approach to combating obesity should be comprehensive and include various aspects: nutritional intervention, stimulation of physical activity, treatment of metabolic disorders, as well as psychological support. Such an integrated approach will make it possible to more effectively combat obesity and prevent its occurrence in the future.

Obesity: causes and consequences

Obesity is one of the most urgent problems of modern society. With progress and improvement in living conditions, more and more people are overweight. The problem of obesity not only negatively affects the appearance of a person, but also leads to serious consequences for health.

The causes of obesity are manifold and often explained by a complex interaction of various factors. One of the main factors influencing the development of obesity is malnutrition. Overeating, excessive consumption of fatty, high-calorie and processed foods, as well as lack of physical activity lead to the accumulation of excess fat in the body.

Obesity can have serious health consequences. Excess body fat increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, musculoskeletal disorders, and certain types of cancer. In addition, obesity affects a person’s psychological and social well-being, increasing the risk of depression, low self-esteem, and social isolation.

Addressing the problem of obesity requires a complex intervention that includes changing dietary habits, increasing physical activity, treating comorbidities, and psychological support. However, the main factor in successfully overcoming obesity is the awareness of one’s own responsibility for one’s health and the desire for a healthy lifestyle.

The impact of modern lifestyle

Modern lifestyle has a significant impact on the problem of obesity. One of the reasons for this phenomenon is a sedentary lifestyle associated with the use of computers and gadgets. People spend more and more time indoors, in front of screens, without getting the necessary physical activity.

In addition, the influence of the modern way of life is manifested in nutrition. Fast food rich in fat and sugar has become the norm for many people. Regular consumption of such products, combined with a lack of physical activity, leads to weight gain and obesity.

The influence of modern lifestyle on the problem of obesity requires serious attention and action to change lifestyle. Physical activity, regular exercise and a healthier diet should be encouraged. It is also important to take time to rest and manage stress without the use of food. Only by changing the modern way of life, it is possible to solve the problem of obesity and improve the general health of the population.

Genetic factors and obesity

Genetic factors are one of the key causes of obesity. Studying the heredity of obesity allows us to understand why some people are more prone to gaining excess weight, even with the right lifestyle.

Obesity may be associated with the presence of certain genetic mutations. For example, in some people, there is a change in the gene responsible for satiety, which leads to the fact that a person needs more food to feel full. Studies also show that a genetic factor can influence the metabolic rate and the tendency to accumulate fat.

However, it is worth noting that genetic factors are not the only cause of obesity. Living conditions, nutrition, physical activity and other external factors also have an impact on the development of obesity.

In general, genetic factors play a significant role in the problem of obesity, and their inclusion in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease allows us to better understand the mechanisms of its development and determine the most effective strategies to combat it.

Metabolic disorders and obesity

Metabolic disorders are one of the main causes of obesity. Metabolism is the process of metabolism in the body, which includes the synthesis of substances, their destruction and absorption. With metabolic disorders, improper metabolism occurs, which can lead to the accumulation of excess weight.

One of the most common metabolic disorders associated with obesity is insulin resistance . Insulin is a hormone that plays an important role in regulating blood sugar levels. The nature of insulin resistance lies in the fact that tissue cells become less sensitive to the action of insulin, which leads to an increase in blood sugar levels and the accumulation of fat in the body.

In addition to insulin resistance, another disorder often associated with obesity is an imbalance in the hormones of hunger and satiety . There are various hormones in the body that are responsible for feelings of hunger and satiety. When these hormones are out of balance, appetite is not properly regulated, which can lead to overeating and weight gain.

Metabolic disorders and obesity are closely linked. Incorrect metabolism and imbalance of hormones play an important role in the appearance and development of obesity. Therefore, to combat obesity, it is necessary not only to control nutrition and engage in physical activity, but also pay attention to the state of your metabolism and hormonal balance.

The role of dietary supplements and carbohydrates

Dietary supplements and carbohydrates play an important role in the problem of obesity. Food additives are substances added to food to improve its taste, aroma, color or texture. They can be both natural and artificial origin. For example, flavor enhancers, sweeteners, preservatives, and stabilizers are all food additives that can act on taste buds and stimulate appetite.

A study article in the United Arab Emirates showed that dietary supplements and carbohydrates can affect body weight and lead to obesity. To prevent this, you need to maintain a balance in the diet and choose foods that contain healthy carbohydrates and supplements, as well as limit the intake of fast carbohydrates and food additives, especially those that can negatively affect the body.

Obesity as a social problem

Obesity is one of the most acute and widespread problems of modern society. This illness is caused not only by individual factors, but also by widespread social tendencies.

The first cause of obesity associated with social factors is the increasing consumption of high-calorie foods. Ready-made foods, fast food and sweets are immensely popular in modern society, and even those social strata that previously could not afford such products have access to them.

The second reason has to do with lifestyle changes. Growing technology and automation of human activities lead to physical inactivity. A person spends more and more time in front of gadget screens or in offices, not getting enough physical activity.

In addition, obesity is also associated with social pressure on appearance. The ideals of beauty promoted by the media, modeling agencies and social networks can create a lack of self-esteem and lead to weight gain due to the development of complexes and depression.

So, obesity is not a problem generated only by a person, but also by the prevailing social situation. To solve it, it is necessary to actively interact with various spheres of society, from the educational system to medical institutions.

Relationship between stress and obesity

Stress and obesity are significant problems in modern society. Although the two phenomena may seem unrelated at first glance, multiple studies show a strong link between them.

Stress is the body’s response to physical and emotional stress. It can be caused by various factors such as work, family problems, financial difficulties, and others. Often people seek to cope with stress through food, eating very high-calorie foods rich in sugar and fat, which can lead to weight gain.

Stress also affects the hormonal balance in the body. During periods of stress, more of the hormone cortisol is produced, which stimulates appetite and promotes the accumulation of fat in the body. In addition, stress can cause changes in metabolism, leading to a slower metabolism and an increased tendency to become obese.

There is also a psychological link between stress and obesity. People suffering from frequent stress may experience emotional instability and low mood, which can lead to eating more food, especially high-calorie and unhealthy foods.

To address the link between stress and obesity, it is necessary not only to lead a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and proper nutrition, but also to pay attention to psychological well-being. Adequately managing stress, finding ways to relax and maintaining emotional balance will help reduce the risk of obesity and lead to overall improved health.

Childhood obesity and its prevention

Childhood obesity is a serious problem of modern society, which has negative consequences for the health and quality of life of children. Obesity in children occurs due to an unbalanced diet and lack of physical activity. It can cause diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and others.

The main causes of childhood obesity are malnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle. Children consume too many high-calorie foods rich in fats and sugar, and not enough fruits, vegetables and grains. In addition, many children spend most of the day in front of the TV or computer without getting enough physical activity.

Prevention of childhood obesity is an important task for parents, schools and the state. One of the main methods of preventing obesity is proper nutrition. Children need to learn to eat a varied and balanced diet, eating less fat and sugar and more fruits, vegetables and grains. In addition, it is important to limit the time children spend in front of screens and encourage them to play sports and play outdoors.

Successful prevention of childhood obesity also requires cooperation between family, school and health care providers. Parents should be informed about proper nutrition and physical activity for their children, schools should offer healthy meals and organize sports activities, and doctors should monitor children’s height and weight and provide recommendations for dietary and lifestyle changes.

Sports and physical activity in the fight against obesity

One of the key factors in the fight against obesity is regular physical activity. Sport helps not only burn excess calories, but also improves overall physical fitness, strengthens muscles and bones.

To achieve the maximum effect in the fight against obesity, it is necessary to choose the right physical activity. For example, cardio workouts such as running, walking, swimming, or cycling can boost your body’s energy production and speed up your metabolism.

However, cardio should not be limited. Strength training is an important part of an obesity plan as it helps increase muscle mass. Along with this, strength training increases your basal metabolic rate, which leads to increased calorie burning even at rest.

In order to include physical activity as a means of combating obesity in your life, you need to create a varied and interesting training program. It is recommended to combine cardio and strength training, as well as add various types of activity, such as yoga, Pilates or dancing.

It is important to remember that sport and physical activity should become an integral part of the lifestyle and not a temporary measure. Regular exercise will help not only reduce weight, but also improve health, improve mood and increase self-esteem.

Innovative treatments for obesity

Tackling obesity often requires a holistic approach that includes not only dietary changes and increased physical activity, but also innovative treatments. One such method is a surgical procedure called bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery offers long-term results and sustainable weight loss. There are several methods of this operation: gastrobypass, ruanimplantation, application of the sleeve of the stomach and others. Each of these methods has its own characteristics and allows you to achieve different degrees of weight loss.

However, surgery is a last resort and is recommended when conservative treatments for obesity fail. Before deciding on the operation, it is necessary to consult a doctor and study in detail all the possible consequences and risks.

Another innovative treatment for obesity is the use of drugs to reduce appetite and increase satiety. These drugs are usually used in complex therapy and help control food intake and speed up the metabolic process in the body.

Some of the newer treatments for obesity include the use of modern technologies such as electrical muscle stimulation devices or wearable devices that track calories burned and physical activity levels. Various applications for smartphones and gadgets are also being developed to help control nutrition and exercise.

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Q&A:

Why has obesity become such a common problem in today’s society?

Answer: Obesity has become a common problem in today’s society due to a combination of several factors. One of the main factors is the modern lifestyle, characterized by low physical activity and high consumption of high-calorie foods. Also, genetic predispositions and epigenetic changes associated with the environment have a significant impact on the development of obesity.

What role do hormones play in obesity?

Answer: Hormones play an important role in the problem of obesity. For example, the hormone leptin, which is produced by fat cells, regulates appetite and metabolism. Obese people usually have low levels of leptin, which can lead to uncontrollable appetite and misregulation of energy balance. Knowledge of these hormones and their interactions opens up new avenues for developing treatments and prevention of obesity.

Is there a genetic predisposition to obesity?

Answer: Yes, genetic predisposition plays an important role in the development of obesity. Some genes may influence metabolic processes, appetite regulation, and the tendency to accumulate fat. However, genetic predisposition is not the only cause of obesity. To develop obesity, the presence of adverse environmental factors, such as unhealthy diet and low physical activity, is also necessary.

How can I change my lifestyle to avoid obesity?

Answer: To avoid obesity, you need to make changes in your lifestyle. It is important to increase physical activity and exercise regularly. It is also necessary to monitor your diet, eat healthier and more balanced food, limit the intake of high-calorie and highly processed foods.