Obesity in Canada and U.S.A. Obesity is a public health problem that has become a pandemic and the largest health issue in Canada and U.S.A. Studies have emerged showing that overweight and obesity are major causes of many diseases, including type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, various cancers and other health problems, which can lead to further morbidity and mortality. The related health care costs are also substantial. Therefore, a public health approach to developing population-based strategies for the prevention of excess weight gain is of great importance. However, public health intervention programs have had limited success in tackling the rising prevalence of obesity. Education and awareness of obesity-related health problems …show more content…
However, there are numerous strategies that can be implemented into one’s life to reduce weight and construct healthy lifestyle. As an individual, one can visit a nutritionist or a doctor to get health tips and to check for obesity-related diseases such as heart disease, strokes, and cancer. A person could choose a wholesome low-fat, low-sugar, and low-carbohydrate diet with reasonable proportions. Cutting back on portion size will help one balance energy IN and energy OUT thus leading to a healthy weight. Healthy living also includes having the proper amount of physical activity. A person should have an average of 60 minutes of physical activity a day in order to lead a healthy and fit life. We should all strive to work towards getting off the couch and reducing screen-time to lead less sedentary lives. This, in fact, encourages weight loss. The Ministries of Education in both Canada and U.S.A should revise the health curriculum to emphasise more on healthy eating and healthy body image to empower youth about the importance of having a healthy lifestyle. To reverse the obesity epidemic, community efforts should focus on supporting healthy eating and active living in a variety of settings. There are many different programs and policies that can contribute towards the creation of healthy community food environments. These include providing incentives for supermarkets or farmers markets to