14 DAY TRIAL // At the moment studies show that more than one third of the world's adult population is overweight or obese. With the constant growth of obesity, there is also a considerable increase of heart-related disease or diabetes.
UK's Overseas Development Institute (ODI) revealed the fact that developing countries are the most affected by the growing rate of obesity, their rate being almost double than the one of the already developed countries.
“The growing rates of overweight and obesity in developing countries are alarming. On current trends, globally, we will see a huge increase in the number of people suffering certain types of cancer, diabetes, strokes and heart attacks, putting an enormous burden on public health-care systems,” ODI Research Fellow Steve Wiggins says, according to Russia Today.
As we all well know, developing countries tend to shift from natural low-fat diets to larger quantities of sugar and fats while opting for the “fast-food diet” in the attempt to save time and money. Besides the poor diet choices made by people in developing countries, the amount of exercise is decreasing, thus favoring obesity.
The official studies indicate a worrying increase of heart disease, strokes and diabetes and urge governments to take actions to change people's unhealthy dietary habits. Regulations concerning the products and chemicals introduced in food may work towards lowering the obesity rate and helping the population lead a healthier life.
Countries like Denmark or South Korea have taken important steps towards offering their citizens healthier choices. Denmark banned trans-fatty acids back in 2004 and helped reduce cases of heart disease. South Korea invested in advertising and education concerning the benefits of home-cooked healthy vegetable-based meals.
These kinds of methods raise awareness and make people act at least a little bit more responsibly when choosing their food. It is true that healthier meals are more expensive and sometimes even more time consuming, but people must acknowledge the fact that, by eating healthily, they preserve their vitality and save money that would otherwise be spent on pills or medical treatment.