According to the World Health Organization, there are more than 1.9 billion overweight people in the world, of which 650 million are obese. In addition, it is estimated that some 30 million people die each year worldwide from excess malnutrition, while 3.5 million die from undernutrition..
In Argentina, six out of ten adults are overweight and more than half are obese. This pathology is associated with other complex diseases such as type II diabetes, hypertension, vascular and coronary diseases, fatty liver, among others.
The recent sanction of the front labeling law represents an advance in the fight against overweight, obesity, hypertension and heart risks derived from a poor diet.
This law, which must be implemented within a maximum period of six months, is about warning with black octagons visible to the consumer those processed foods with excess salt, sugar and fat. These foods may not include advertising that draws the attention of children. It also establishes that products containing sweeteners or caffeine must state that their consumption is not recommended for minors. This legislation was very successful in other countries in the region, such as Chile and Uruguay.
With the implementation of the law, the consumer will be able to easily choose the food product, generating an active and positive attitude about their nutrition and health, as well as stimulating the reformulation of foods for the development of healthier products by the industry. .
Obesity is a disease triggered by multiple factors from genetics, emotional, cultural, social components
Obesity is a chronic disease, not a behavior. Understanding it is the fundamental step for treatment. It is an alarming public health problem, its prevalence continues to grow, and with it many associated complications.
It is a disease triggered by multiple factors from genetics, emotional, cultural, social components, etc. that goes beyond aesthetics. Obesity is associated with more than 200 pathologies and is considered one of the most stigmatizing diseases that exists.
The obesity pandemic does not depend only on individual behavior. It is evident the need to change the current paradigm of obesity focused exclusively on the individual, towards one with emphasis on the interaction between the person and the environment, remembering that prevention begins in childhood, being the foundation for the acquisition of healthy habits.
Obesity is preventable, and given its complexity, it requires a multidisciplinary approach supported by several pillars such as diet, physical activity, psychological and pharmacological aspects.
Source: Ambito
