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The Obesogenic Environment

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It is now recognised that we are living in an obesogenic environment. The obesogenic environment refers to surroundings conducive to weight gain, not weight loss. It is not as simple as energy intake not meeting energy expenditure. Obesity is now seen as a multisystem issue with an interplay of social, cultural, physical, economic and policy factors.


The Westernisation of middle-income countries has increased fast food outlets in urban areas, causing a nutrition transition. Fast food outlets have infiltrated middle-income countries just as they did in the West years ago, increasing the intake of saturated fat, salt, refined carbohydrates and sugar drinks, increasing chronic disease and obesity. Closer to home in the West, these patterns have already occurred.


In addition to the infiltration of fast food outlets in Australia, fresh foods are more expensive, and we have issues with fresh fruit, vegetables, and other healthy foods being available in rural and remote areas. Poor choice options cause an increase in ultra-processed foods, which are cheaper and often high in sugar, modified oils, saturated fats, high-fructose corn syrup, salt and flavours. These foods are highly palatable but low in fibre, vitamins and nutrients and are linked to a higher incidence of weight gain, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. 


Technology has also contributed to the obesity issue. We spend longer time on the computer each day in sedentary lifestyles. Children used to ride bikes or walk to school and are now driven. People can get fast food delivered to their doorstep in most areas, increasing sedentary behaviour and poor food choices. Children are also marketed to over television and social media, and large corporations now sponsor sports events, increasing exposure to fast foods.


So what can you do about it? Awareness is the key.


Here are some small steps you can do:

·       Aim to eat whole foods – nothing that is pre-packaged

·       Put a limit on eating out – once weekly or fortnightly

·       Meal plan and batch cooking to decrease the temptation to eat fast foods

·       Stop ordering food dropped off at your door

·       Learn how to read labels and compare products

·       Avoid foods high in sugar, salt, saturated fat and high-fructose corn syrup

·       Minimise children’s screen time to decrease exposure to fast food marketing and decrease sedentary behaviour

·       Decrease your sedentary behaviour – try walking to the shops instead of driving when possible. Park further away from work to increase your physical activity. Aim to walk at least half an hour daily, and fit this in when best suits you.

 

Obesity Evidence Hub. Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, 2020. Available from: www.obesityevidencehub.org.au

 

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