Nutrition: Why are overweight and obesity increasing in our population?

According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that about 3.4 million adults die each year in the world because of excess weight and weight gain. # 39; obesity. Similarly, obesity is a key risk factor for chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes (44%) and ischemic heart disease (23%), and between 7% and 41% of some people's burden. kinds. cancers.

Our country has really alarming data regarding this problem, since 6 out of 10 Argentines are overweight and, even more serious, school-aged children, 30% are overweight and 6% are obese.

So, we must ask ourselves: why and how does the prevalence of overweight and obesity in our region increase? Although, to answer this question, we must badyze many factors, both population and individual, there are some data that help us to understand, in part, the reason for this serious social problem.

Among the main data obtained National surveys on risk factors are highlighted:

• Only 17.6% of the Argentine population consume 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, as indicated in the recommendation.
• El ] 50% of the population consume 2 or more sweetened beverages (soft drinks, fruit juice, etc.) per day
• 5 out of 10 adults are sedentary
• On average, we managed more than 5 hours per day in front of screens (does not include working with computers)
• We see more than 60 ads for unhealthy foods
• 2 of 3 ads we see on TV, they are unhealthy foods,
• Argentina, Mexico and Chile show annual sales of ultra-processed products per capita, the highest in the region: Argentina (194, 194), which influence our preferences and food choices. 1 kg), Mexico (164.3 kg) and Chile (125.5 kg)
• Argentina leads the consumption of soft drinks with 131 liters per capita and per year
• Argentina, Mexico , Brazil, the United States and Australia are the 5 countries with the highest consumption of added sugar of the world, with about 150 gr / day, a consumption which triple that recommended by the WHO (50 gr / day) ) .10
• In our country has doubled the consumption of soft drinks and juice powder over the last 20 years (ranging from 1/2 to 1 cup of soda per day per capita) Fruit consumption decreased by 41% and that of vegetables by 21% in the same period.
• Homemade food has been replaced, to a large extent, by industrialized foods. and junk food, seriously altering the quality of the nutrients we consume: increased consumption of trans and saturated fats, cholesterol, sodium, sugars and additives .
• We take a small amount of water ] the average daily consumption of 500 ml, or a quarter of the recommendation at the population level (2 liters).

As can be badyzed, beyond the genetic, hormonal or other non-modifiable factors, our habits tell us that we really need a healthier society, to achieve this, reduce the numbers of obesity and chronic noncommunicable diseases.

The important thing is to be aware that the decision is ours and, beyond the personal possibilities, there are many strategies to improve the quality of the food, to be able to s & # 39; adapt to the economy, customs and cultures, schedules, geographic region, religion or any other individual property. Let's start by taking the first step and improving our hope and quality of life.

Lic. Romina Krauss-Nutritionist

M.P. No. 147