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Posted on Jul 01, 2008, 8 p.m.
By Jeanelle Topping
A population-based approach has been recommended to tackle obesity in America, according to a new report.
A population-based approach has been recommended to tackle obesity in America, according to a new report.
In Population-Based Prevention of Obesity, a group of scientists have argued that local, state and federal government need to actively intervene to change the environment which effects how people eat.
Dr Shiriki Kumanyika said: "Almost all of our current eating or activity patterns are those that promote weight gain, using the least possible amount of energy or maximizing quantity rather than quality in terms of food."
Issues such as the locations of fast-food restaurants, restaurant portion sizes and the availability of high-fat and sweetened drinks need to be addressed in order to prevent diseases such as obesity and type two diabetes.
"We're not talking about creating a dieting society, but looking at choices people make in day-to-day living that affect their ability to manage their weight and then trying to change the environment to facilitate healthier choices," said Dr Kumanyika.
Research by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey revealed that around 67 million American adults are obese, and an additional 75 million are overweight.
