Environmental Aspects of Obesity

The dramatic increase in obesity in both children and adults over the past two to three decades represents a national and global concern because obesity can significantly increase the risk of a myriad of chronic health conditions. Macroenvironmental influences on food consumption, including changes in food supply trends, fast food consumption, increases in portion size and food availability as well as changes in physical activity patterns in schools and workplaces have been implicated. Societal efforts undertaken to stem the surge of obesity in children and adults must address this “toxic environment,” which encourages food over-consumption and discourages physical activity. Some community-based efforts aimed at reversing this trend are meeting with promising results; however, additional research, policy changes, and a committed partnership between industry, schools, indivi duals and the media may be necessary to achieve lasting impact.