ECONOMIC GROWTH AND BMI

The chart below clearly shows that Economic Growth has a strong correlation to Obesity. (Too strong to say it is the cause but pretty close)

Body mass index, a measure of weight in relation to height, has been rising in both developed and developing nations. See below.

ECONOMIC GROWTH AND CALORIE CONSUMPTION

Average calorie consumption in the US rose steadily from approximately 3,000 calories a day in the early 1970s to 3,800 in 2006, according to UN statistics. About two-thirds of Americans are overweight today, based on the World Health Organization’s definition.

SO WHAT?

With Economic growth comes a rise in sedentary lifestyle, eating more, more eating out, eating more meat, eating higher calorie junk food, and lower physical exercise.

If we want healthy children, not burdened with the perils of obesity, the answer is obvious isn’t it?

PRESCRIPTION?

a) Feed less food to our kids

b) Make food at home to control the quality, calories and ingredients

c) Try to become more vegetarian

d) Cut processed food, snacks, sodas, fast food and prepared meals

e) Cut Smartphones, computers, TV and videogaming

f) Encourage physical exercise and make outdoor play mandatory