Did you know that obesity is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in the United States? A staggering 13% of adults worldwide are faced with obesity, while a whopping 39% are overweight. Even more shocking, one-in-five children and adolescents globally report being overweight.
Public health professionals have a key role to play in the prevention and treatment of obesity. They must create awareness, develop evidence-based policies, and foster supportive environments. In addition, they must ensure that individuals of all ages can access the resources and support they need to prevent or address obesity. In this article, we will discuss the role of public health in creating awareness of obesity. Also, we will explain how public health practices can help reduce the burden of obesity.
1. Raising Awareness And Education
The primary responsibility of public health professionals when it comes to obesity is to raise awareness and educate the general public. This includes educating individuals on the risks of being overweight or obese and teaching healthy eating habits and physical activity routines. Public health professionals can help individuals understand the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and making informed lifestyle choices by raising awareness and providing education. It is also an ideal opportunity for aspiring professionals to get involved in public health and promote its importance. There are several reputed online MPA degree programs available to those interested in pursuing a career in public health. The programs provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to advocate for change and make an impact in the fight against obesity.
2. Developing Evidence-Based Policies And Regulations
Another way public health professionals are working to create awareness of obesity is by developing evidence-based policies and regulations. These policies can be aimed at promoting healthier food choices and physical activity, making healthy food more accessible and affordable, or limiting the availability of unhealthy foods. Additionally, public health professionals can work to eliminate junk food marketing aimed at children and adolescents. By doing so, public health professionals can help create an environment more conducive to healthy lifestyle choices and prevent individuals from becoming overweight or obese.
Research revealed that a shocking 69% of American adults are either overweight or obese, with 36%, specifically non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic/Mexican Americans suffering from obesity. This is significantly higher than the rate among their Caucasian counterparts.
3. Creating Supportive Environments
As part of creating awareness for obesity, public health professionals also work to create supportive environments that promote healthy lifestyle choices. This includes providing access to nutritious foods and resources to increase physical activity, such as walking and biking trails or parks. Additionally, public health professionals can work with local businesses and organizations to create incentives for healthy behaviors. This can include providing discounts on groceries for individuals who are at risk of obesity or providing subsidized gym memberships for those living in poverty. By implementing supportive environments, public health professionals can help individuals make healthier choices and reduce their risk of becoming overweight or obese.
Unhealthy weight is among the leading causes of premature death worldwide, with an estimated 2.8 million adults passing away each year. Moreover, up to 41% of certain cancer types are linked to obesity and overweight, along with nearly half (44%) of all diabetes cases and 23% of heart disease diagnoses originating from being dangerously overweight or obese.
4. Utilizing Technology
Technology is another valuable tool that public health professionals can use to create awareness of obesity. Public health professionals can reach larger audiences with their messaging by leveraging digital tools, such as websites, apps, and social media platforms. Additionally, technology can be used to track individuals’ weight, physical activity levels, and dietary behavior, providing valuable data that can be used to develop interventions and health promotion activities.
In addition to creating awareness, public health professionals must also take steps to help people achieve and maintain a healthy weight. This includes providing access to resources to help individuals manage their weight, such as nutrition and physical activity counseling. Additionally, public health professionals can provide community-based interventions for those at risk of becoming overweight or obese.
5. Using the Media
Public health professionals can use the media to create awareness of obesity. This includes using television and radio ads, billboards, newspapers, and magazines to communicate the risks of being overweight or obese. Additionally, public health professionals can partner with influencers and celebrities to help spread the word about obesity and promote healthy lifestyle habits.
The media can also help create positive narratives around healthy bodies, which can help reduce the stigma often associated with those who are overweight or obese. By shifting the narrative, public health professionals can help individuals feel supported and empowered to make healthy choices.
6. Collaborating Across Sectors
Public health professionals can also collaborate with different sectors, such as local governments, businesses, and organizations, to create awareness of obesity. This includes developing partnerships with organizations that can provide resources or funding to help public health experts reach larger audiences with their messaging. Additionally, public health professionals can partner with healthcare systems and providers to screen for obesity and provide interventions when needed.
By collaborating across sectors, public health professionals can develop comprehensive strategies and create awareness of obesity on a larger scale. This can help reduce the impact of obesity and empower individuals to make healthy choices. Besides, public health professionals can partner with other sectors to develop policies and legislation that promote healthy lifestyles. However, these collaborations must involve individuals at risk of becoming overweight or obese to ensure that the policies are fair and equitable.
Concluding Thoughts
Public health professionals can play an important role in creating awareness of obesity and helping individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Public health professionals can develop comprehensive strategies that reach larger audiences by leveraging technology, using the media, and collaborating across sectors. Additionally, public health experts must ensure that their policies and interventions are equitable and involve individuals at risk of becoming overweight or obese. Through these efforts, public health professionals can help reduce the impact of obesity and create a healthier future for everyone.
