So far we’ve talked a lot about the problems associated with obesity and what can be done to reduce obesity at an individual. Thanks to some comments we’ve had on our blog we’ve decided to look more in detail at reducing obesity on a national or global level. Here are some interventions that have been implemented around the globe and have shown to be effective:
Government Policy Changes:
- Income subsidies for healthy nutritional choices for both the consumer and producer
- Ensuring low prices for healthy foods and taxing foods high in fat and sugars
- Regulation of food processing and nutritional labelling
- Ensuring stores stocking healthy food options are conveniently placed
- Increasing ability to exercise in urbanised areas
- Subsidise marketing of healthy alternatives
- Target groups of lower socioeconomic status, and others who are of higher obesity risks
Media Changes:
- Encourage promotion of simple health messages
- Engage in responsible advertising
- Publicise obesity success stories
School Interventions:
- Involve healthy eating and physical activity in curriculum
- Provide a supportive environment for reducing obesity and provide healthy food options
- Involve families in targeting obesity
Workplace Interventions:
- Provide healthy food options
- Provide space and opportunities for exercise
- Involve individuals and family members in creating policies
Community Interventions:
- Get involved in health education
- Enable group based physical activity opportunities for people at the same physical exercise ability level
Public Health Changes:
- Having positive ‘health at every size’ campaigns
- Ensuring health options are culturally appropriate
- Evaluate programmes for their effectiveness and adapt if necessary
- Increase health literacy through education campaigns
- Enable access (particularly for those in obesity risk groups) to weight loss programmes with regular follow up
Source: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu
Finland has become known for its successful reduction in obesity rates due to its health promotion. Read more about it here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3451491.stm
http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/nutrition_news_information/miracle_up_north
Please comment if you have heard of anything that has successfully targeted obesity, or if you can think of some new alternative intervention opportunities!