GROWTH OF OBESITY AS AN EPIDEMIC
Obesity and obesity related health issues have increased considerably in New Zealand over the years, because of this rapid increase obesity has been referred to as an epidemic (Ministry of Health, 2004). The table below shows the increase that occurred between 1977 and 2003.
Selected sample statistics, ages pooled, 1977–2003
Males
|
Females
| |||||
1977
|
2003
|
AAPC (%)*
|
1977
|
2003
|
AAPC (%)*
| |
Mean BMI
|
25.5
|
26.9
|
0.20
|
24.5
|
26.4
|
0.28
|
Median BMI
|
25.1
|
26.3
|
0.18
|
23.8
|
25.2
|
0.23
|
Overweight (%)
|
41.5
|
42.1
|
0.05
|
26.1
|
27.7
|
0.23
|
Obese (%)
|
9.4
|
19.9
|
2.93
|
10.8
|
22.1
|
2.79
|
*Average annual percentage change; assumes linearity.
(Ministry of Health, 2004).
The above graph shows a dramatic increase in obesity rates with males showing an increase from 9 to 20 percent, and with females showing an increase of 11 to 22 percent (Ministry of Health, 2004).
Below, a more recent study shows an ever increasing percentage of obesity rates in both male and female of varying age groups.
Prevalence (%) of obesity, by age group and sex, 2006/2007
Age group (years)
5–14 15–24 25–34 35–44 45–54 55–64 65–74 75+
Males 8.1 12.7 22.2 29.9 30.8 35.9 29.9 21.7
Females 8.6 15.7 26.6 26.9 30.2 35.9 35.7 20.1
Total 8.3 14.2 24.4 28.4 30.5 35.9 32.8 20.8
(“2010 The Social Report,” 2010).
Globally there are 2.8 million people dying each year due to obesity. In the past, obesity has been connected to countries with high-incomes, whereas now obesity is also associated with countries with low to middle-class incomes (“World Health organization,” 2013).
Today, New Zealand is ranked 7th out of 29 countries with 20.9 percent of people being obese. See here for other countries results. With statistics like these it is no wonder that obesity is referred to as an epidemic. This epidemic has major effects on the public health, it is contributing to the increase of obesity related health issues such as type 2 diabetes, stroke and heart disease, it is also contributing to the increase in deaths relating to obesity related diseases and health issues (Ministry of health, 2004).
References
Health Statistics > Obesity (most recent) by country. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/hea_obe-health-obesity
Ministry of Health. (2004). Tracking the obesity epidemic. Retrieved from http://www.health.govt.nz/publication/tracking-obesity-epidemic
2010 The Social Report. (2010). Retrieved from http://socialreport.msd.govt.nz/health/obesity.html
World Health Organization. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/obesity/en/
Hi Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteThis is very popular topic. Indeed, I am off my Easter eggs already! Well not quite. However, the statistics are difficult to argue with. I wonder if you have considered the costs on the health system and impact of the quality of people’s life? I look forward to reading more. There are quite a few initiatives underway for sometime in this country eg. Healthy heart and I wonder what the research is telling us about the effectiveness of these? I aked Kyle the same question.. Your blog read logically with useful information. Keep going.
Cheryl
An interesting and very relevant topic Becky. The statistics you've given of obesity according to age and gender are interesting to read. It is important also to consider the change in peoples lifestyles and diet as they age. As people are busier, many lead lives that are fast paced. This often means that convenience, rather than health, is a first choice for food.
DeleteI agree that that obestiy is linked with issues of poverty. Malnutrition, poor diet and health are all effects of low to no income. As early childhood teachers it is important that we advocate healthy options for children and their families. Education, role modelling and encouragement about being healthy should be part of our settings culture. Children are great at absorbing information and actions with their friends. They are also great at sharing this with their families and home community.
I believe that yes, the goverment has a responsibility to step up and provide relevant and realistic support services and initiatives for those that need it; before the issue grows too much more. I also believe that, as I stated before, we all have a responsibility to the children in our care.