The REAL Global Health Security Issue

is obesity epidemic in developing nations. Contrary to common belief, it's not prevalent in urban centers, it's actually MORE common in the rural countryside.


One in four Chinese 'overweight'.
BBC News Service.
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7495330.stm

More than 25% of adults in China are now considered overweight or obese, according to new research. The findings, in the journal Health Affairs, blame declining physical activity and a more Western diet. The report warns that obesity rates will double by 2028 if the Chinese government fails to take action. Researchers say what is happening in China could be seen as a marker for what is going to happen in the rest of the developing world.

Poverty and obesity link

Since China's rapid economic changes began, the proportion of overweight and obese people has grown steadily. This latest study, authored by Professor Barry Popkin, assessed 20,000 people across the country and has worrying health implications.

The report found that rates of hypertension and diabetes are rising rapidly.
Already about four out of every five deaths in China are due to non-communicable diseases - conditions like heart disease and cancer. An unhealthy diet and weight can be contributing factors. According to the BBC's Asia analyst, Jill McGivering, obesity has often been associated with China's new affluence and urban, more Westernised lifestyles.

But this survey suggests that low income people in rural areas are now more likely to be overweight than those on higher incomes in the cities. That mirrors the situation in the developed world, where poverty and obesity are often related. Prof Popkin told the BBC that China's traditional balanced diet was increasingly giving way to one high in oil and meat.

And correspondents say that even in the countryside, people are getting much less exercise. Agriculture is more mechanised, and cars, motorbikes and tractors are replacing bicycles. People are also watching much more television.

The Chinese government is aware of the health problems being stored up - but so far it is being criticised for failing to put much emphasis on promoting the need for a healthy weight.


Lifestyle diseases bigger threat than AIDS.
Mon, Jul 7 2008
http://in.news.yahoo.com/32/20080707/396/thl-lifestyle-diseases-bigger-threat-tha.html

LIFESTYLE DISEASES pose a greater threat to ordinary Indians than even HIV/AIDS, according to renowned cardiologist Dr R.R. Kasliwal. Quoting a Lancet report, he warned India would account for 60 per cent of the world's cardiovascular diseases by 2010.

"Today, one-third of our population is obese. Children and adults, both in urban and rural areas, are increasingly becoming prone to lifestyle diseases," Dr Kasliwal told the audience.

He was delivering the keynote address 'Lifestyle Diseases - An Indian Epidemic' at the second annual conference of the Medical Health Society with the theme 'Healthy Lifestyle at Workplace' here on Sunday. The mantra propagated by the Medical Fitness Society for a healthier you is ASAP - Awareness, Screening, Action and Prevention.

Risk-factor modification can help, he emphasized and went on to explain various such factors. The expert pointed out that lifestyle modification should include regular check-ups and certain health parameters such as weight reduction, dietary prudence, regular exercise, ban on smoking and relaxation techniques.

Earlier, Nisha Varma gave a lecture-demonstration on 'Stay Fit at Work'; Geetu Amarnani spoke on 'Anti-Oxidants and amp; Fibre Diet'; Uma Gupta espoused the cause of 'Healthy Diet at Workplace'. The discussion that followed threw up interesting suggestion/comments from participants like Dr Shekhar Sood, who said "medical practitioners should not push for pills as supplements rather encourage natural sources like fruits and vegetables".

Dr Renu Anand asked "why not practice as we preach and initiate lifestyle change, like eating properly?" While eulogizing the "impact of positive thinking in fitness", Dr Aruna Broota suggested we train our minds in rational emotional approach while dealing with issues. Other speakers included Dr Vinayak Agarwal and Dr Taru Aggarwal.

The Medical Fitness Society has doctors, fitness experts, nutritionists, trainers and media persons as its members.

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