There is not one simple strategy for solving the obesity epidemic, this extremely complex problem required approach from multiple sides. It takes professionals, for example policy makers, businesses, schools, health professionals and individuals, working together to create and support a healthy living community and lifestyle. Governments provide resources to the communities in relation to exercise and nutrition, however if these resources were not advertised effectively then the client reach would not be optimal. To reduce the prevalence of obesity in lower socio-economic areas, governments seriously need to consider taxing fast food restaurants or sugar. Although upstream, this tax would help decrease the amount of fast food consumed by individuals and force them into supermarkets to purchase healthier alternatives. Whilst reducing the size of growing stomachs, the tax may also create better job opportunities on farms and orchards as the demand for fruits and vegetables would be greater.
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The UK has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world (Gallagher 2013). To combat this the UK government has implemented a Sugar Tax. This tax is predicted to reduce obesity prevalence by 1.3% in one year (Ennis et al. 2014 p. 300). The government predicted the greatest reductions would be to youth as they were found to consume more sugar in the community. Along with Australia, the UK has implemented nutritional standards in schools, which reduces the amount of unhealthy foods and drinks for sale. Raising the prices in school canteens could furthermore reduce the incidence of unhealthy foods as those who originally purchased, may not be able to afford it. Along the same principles as a Sugar Tax, school canteens should decrease prices of healthy food to promote health eating.
Public health prioritises inequalities within its communities. Policies are in place to achieve sustainable improvements relating to income, education, housing, food security and conditions of neighbourhoods. Working within their communities and possessing the title of leaders, Community Health Workers work with their residents within the neighbourhood to create healthy living for members (Ingram et al. 2014 p. 119). A reasonably downstream approach to lowering obesity levels is to create a community garden, which would be on offer to all members of the community. This garden along with nutritional cooking classes would promote healthy eating amongst the community and give members free produce to take home to their families. This type of solution would benefit not only the individual but also all family members. Engaging within the local community has also been proven to improve mental health and lessen social exclusion (Ingram et al. 2014 p.120). Improving the mental health of the community can also have a positive impact on obesity.
Strengths and limitations vary across solutions. Creating a fast food/sugar tax would promote healthy eating and create a push towards foods with nutritional value. The community would immensely benefit from the improved vitamins and minerals, even if it just increased energy levels. It has also proven to work as the UK has implemented a sugar tax and 1.3% of obese residents fell out of the BMI obese category. The community garden would again promote healthy living and give residents who cannot afford to purchase greens a free way to get nutrients. It would promote residents to leave their houses and get involved in the creation of food and it could lessen social exclusion. However there will also be limitations to solutions. Creating a fast food/sugar tax will not eradicate fast food or unhealthy foods. It may deter some consumers away, but will never fully leave the shelves. For those individuals who are time poor and work multiple jobs, this form of tax may not be suitable for them as they may not be able to prepare a meal for their families. Funding for a community garden would require Government assistance, and getting allocated funds can be difficult. Monitoring it constantly may also seem difficult.
Public health prioritises inequalities within its communities. Policies are in place to achieve sustainable improvements relating to income, education, housing, food security and conditions of neighbourhoods. Working within their communities and possessing the title of leaders, Community Health Workers work with their residents within the neighbourhood to create healthy living for members (Ingram et al. 2014 p. 119). A reasonably downstream approach to lowering obesity levels is to create a community garden, which would be on offer to all members of the community. This garden along with nutritional cooking classes would promote healthy eating amongst the community and give members free produce to take home to their families. This type of solution would benefit not only the individual but also all family members. Engaging within the local community has also been proven to improve mental health and lessen social exclusion (Ingram et al. 2014 p.120). Improving the mental health of the community can also have a positive impact on obesity.
Strengths and limitations vary across solutions. Creating a fast food/sugar tax would promote healthy eating and create a push towards foods with nutritional value. The community would immensely benefit from the improved vitamins and minerals, even if it just increased energy levels. It has also proven to work as the UK has implemented a sugar tax and 1.3% of obese residents fell out of the BMI obese category. The community garden would again promote healthy living and give residents who cannot afford to purchase greens a free way to get nutrients. It would promote residents to leave their houses and get involved in the creation of food and it could lessen social exclusion. However there will also be limitations to solutions. Creating a fast food/sugar tax will not eradicate fast food or unhealthy foods. It may deter some consumers away, but will never fully leave the shelves. For those individuals who are time poor and work multiple jobs, this form of tax may not be suitable for them as they may not be able to prepare a meal for their families. Funding for a community garden would require Government assistance, and getting allocated funds can be difficult. Monitoring it constantly may also seem difficult.