Talk about obesity As a simple result of eating in excess and moving little is a reductionist look that distorts reality and reinforces stigmas. The science He has shown that genetic, metabolic, environmental and social factors play a key role in their development.
This was indicated by the Dr. Ana María Cappelletticoordinator of Obesity Working Group of the Argentine Nutrition Society (SAN)who added that, even so, the wrong idea that it is a matter of will, which contributes to discrimination and makes it difficult for many people from receiving the attention they need.
“Within the framework of World Obesity Dayit is pertinent to underline that a broader and more comprehensive approach allows to understand obesity as a multifactorial phenomenon and promotes both its prevention and a respectful and effective treatment, free of simplistic judgments, “he said Cappelletti.
From the Argentine Society of Nutritionthey shared ten concrete actions that we can take as a community:
1. Eradicate stigma. Discrimination against people with obesity has a deep impact on their physical and mental health. We need to change the narrative and deal with this issue with respect, without pointing out or blaming. People are more than their conditions or circumstances, and must be seen and treated as complete individuals with their own identities, values and capacities.
2. Accept that obesity It is a health problem. It is not an choice and it is not an aesthetic issue; It requires a medical and multidisciplinary approach, even when obvious clinical consequences have been presented.
3. Guarantee access to health. Current legislation is outdated and does not prioritize the comprehensive care of the person with obesity.
4. Facilitate healthy eating. It is necessary to boost policies that promote access to fresh and nutritious foods, especially in vulnerable sectors.
5. Educate from childhood. Work with families and include food education and healthy habits In schools to improve the relationship of new generations with food, physical activity and healthy life in general.
6. Train health professionals. It is urgent that doctors and other specialists are formed in obesity without prejudice or reductionist approachesso that they can provide evidence -based care and without reinforcing guilt.
7. Review the representation in the media. The image of the obesity which predominates in media and advertisements often associated with negative stereotypes. We need to contribute to promote more realistic and respectful communication based on non -stigmatizing communication guides.
8. Data generation. We need more and better information about the situation of obesity in Argentina and its evolution over time. We have led research from the Argentine Society of Nutritionbut we need new, larger and more national.
9. Prioritize integral health. Beyond weight, there are other factors that determine well -being and metabolic situation: sleep quality, stress management, links that do well and access to medical care are equally important for health. We must bear in mind that obesity increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes, among many other consequences.
10. Obesity as a collective challenge. It is an issue that challenges us all, which requires changes in public policies, education, urbanism and in the way we address lifestyle.
“We have to work together to design solutions that guarantee the right to health. Change the way we talk and act regarding this issue is the first step towards a healthier and more inclusive society,” the specialist culminated.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
