by Denise Calaman

Created on: May 04, 2009   Last Updated: May 18, 2009

There is a global pandemic that continues to grow in numbers with no end in sight, one that doesn't involve influenza or some other contagious disease, however; obesity, classified as a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or above, has surpassed epidemic proportions and the global number of obese people has now reached pandemic proportions. Over one billion people worldwide are considered to be overweight. and 300 million of these people are considered to be obese. So what is happening worldwide that is causing so many people to become obese when just a few years ago obesity was almost an unknown disease?

It may seem ironic but part of the reason for the growing obesity epidemic is caused by "on the go" lifestyles. People may say that they lead fast paced lives but globally people are less active than any other time in history. Less physical activity is the main reason obesity is seen in children. In the United States the childhood obesity rate has almost tripled in less than three decades, going from 13% in 1962 to 31% in 2000. Video games, computers and television have taken the place of outdoor activities in many American homes. Getting children to become physically active is the number one way to combat childhood obesity. Many schools across America are increasing how many times per week children have Physical Education and Health classes are focusing on good nutrition and exercise more than ever before.

Another reason for childhood as well as adult obesity is "on the go" eating and snacking. Fast food restaurants and snack companies make it so easy to take food anywhere. These meals and snacks are often high in trans fats, calories and cholesterol. Many people feel that they don't have time to make nutritious meals and it is for this reason fast food restaurants are more popular than ever before. This is not only a problem in high tech countries but it is a growing problem in developing countries as well where the obesity rate is growing faster than in the western world. Food is now available any time day or night in most of the world. It's convenient and it's fast. Restaurant portions are enormous, three times the calories of what the average person needs for one meal. Americans have adopted the practice of serving big portions.

It is important to understand the health risks involved when someone is obese. Obesity increases the risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, strokes, and high blood pressure. Some scientists believe that obesity increases the risk for some cancers such as breast and colon cancers. Eight to 42% of some cancers are caused by a BMI of 21 or greater. Correcting the problem of obesity seems simple. Exercise more, eat smaller, healthier meals and stay away from snack foods. Doctors have given this advice for years and by the growing obesity numbers it seems to have fallen on deaf ears. Correcting the problem of obesity will involve more than a doctor's stern warning. It will involve societal changes but unless this happens the world's obesity numbers will unfortunately continue to grow.

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