2024-03-05 22:56:31
The CEO of the World Obesity Federation, Johanna Ralston, called for “obesity” to be declared a global emergency that calls for mobilizing international efforts to combat it.
“It is time for the World Health Organization to recognize obesity as a global emergency,” Ralston told Sky News Arabia, stressing the critical nature of this disease that threatens to undermine global health progress.
According to a report issued by the World Obesity Federation, health problems caused by obesity could cause spending of $1.2 trillion annually as of 2025, as obesity and smoking are the main factors behind the rise in the number of people suffering from cancer, heart attacks, strokes and diabetes around the world.
Information card: What does declaring obesity a global emergency mean?
Obesity has not been officially declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the same way that infectious disease outbreaks such as COVID-19 have been declared.
However, the idea of declaring obesity a global health emergency may reflect a growing appreciation of obesity as a global public health crisis that requires urgent and coordinated action at international levels.
Declaring obesity as a global health emergency means recognizing that obesity is not just a national issue but a global issue that affects millions of people across different countries, cultures and socio-economic levels.
This will mean that the international community recognizes the serious health, social and economic consequences of obesity, including its role in increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some types of cancer.
- Global Outreach and Action: It will raise global awareness about the seriousness of the obesity epidemic and the need for comprehensive strategies to combat it, including policy changes, public health initiatives and community-based interventions.
- International cooperation: Like other global health emergencies, declaring obesity a global health emergency will encourage international cooperation and cooperation in research, policy development and implementation of effective strategies for obesity prevention and management.
- Resource Allocation: May lead to increased allocation of resources to obesity research, prevention programs, and treatment options, including funding from governments, international organizations, and the private sector.
- Policy and Environmental Changes: There will be a stronger emphasis on creating policies and environments that promote healthy eating and physical activity, such as regulating the marketing of unhealthy foods to children, improving food labeling, and improving urban planning to encourage active transportation.
- Strengthening the healthcare system: Healthcare systems around the world will need to adapt to improve obesity prevention and treatment, including training for health professionals, integration of obesity management into primary care, and access to affordable treatment options.
- Addressing social factors: With obesity recognized as a complex issue with multiple facets, there will be greater focus on addressing social factors that contribute to obesity, such as food insecurity, socioeconomic status, and access to safe spaces for physical activity.
While such a declaration has not been made, the growing recognition of obesity as a critical public health issue by global health authorities, including the World Health Organization, underscores the need for joint efforts.
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Advice to Egypt: Increasing these taxes may save health
With the obesity rate reaching 32% in 2020, Egypt was ranked among the top 20 countries in the world and among the top 10 countries in the Arab region in terms of obesity prevalence. Obesity is an increasing problem despite efforts on the ground.
Ralston provided specific advice to the Egyptian government, calling for increasing taxes on products containing high sugar as a way to reduce the consumption of unhealthy sweets.
“Our research and evidence from other countries shows that taxing sweets and products with sugary ingredients can lead to a significant reduction in consumption,” Ralston said.
She emphasized the dual benefits of such a policy: reducing obesity rates and generating revenues that can be reinvested in health promotion and obesity prevention programs.
“It’s not just about the tax; it’s about signaling a change in how we view and consume food,” she added.
Cultural transformations in the Gulf: towards healthier traditions
Ralston believes that changing the culture of food consumption in the Gulf will be a decisive factor, calling for a combination of traditional and modern nutritional practices that prioritize health.
“It is important that we cherish our food heritage and traditional cuisines, but make modifications in line with a healthy lifestyle.”
According to Ralston, this includes promoting consumption of traditional, nutrient-dense foods and exploring innovative ways to incorporate healthy ingredients into these dishes.
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Michelle Obama apple
Ralston praised former US First Lady Michelle Obama’s initiative to include healthier options like apples in fast food meals, as a model of how small changes can lead to big health benefits.
“Michelle Obama’s efforts show us that change is possible when we work together with the giants of the food industry to prioritize health,” she said.
Ralston sees the “Michelle Obama Apple” model as a model for possible partnerships globally between policymakers and large restaurant chains, with the goal of more widespread access and making healthier food options more possible and attractive.
A comprehensive approach to combating obesity
Ralston reiterated the need for a comprehensive, multifaceted approach to addressing obesity.
“We must involve all sectors of society in this fight, from policy makers to parents, to turn the tide against obesity,” she said, stressing the importance of education, awareness and community initiatives in promoting a healthier global population.
She considered that “obesity is not just a health issue; it is a social issue that affects us all,” calling for urgent action and solidarity in confronting this global crisis.
Latest international estimates
- Updated estimates from the World Health Organization and a group of international researchers reveal that more than one billion people globally are now considered obese, a condition associated with an increased risk of many serious health problems.
- A study in The Lancet magazine said that obesity rates in adults increased more than double between 1990 and 2022, and more than four-fold among children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 19 years.
- The study indicated that obesity rates were higher in some low- and middle-income countries, including areas of the Caribbean and the Middle East.
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