Daily Lessons from Life 09 October 2017 - Seriously fighting obesity

"Commentary: A tax on sugary drinks not enough on their own to halt obesity in Asia

Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy’s distinguished visiting professor Asit K Biswas and Cornell University’s Kris Hartley say to fight against obesity, a huge issue in Asia, governments must promote lifestyle changes through education and improve access to healthy foods.

SINGAPORE: Facing declining markets in Western countries, multinational food companies are targeting Africa, Asia and Latin America as new consumers of packaged foods, in a move that may worsen the global epidemic of chronic illness related to diabetes

Governments are striking back at obesity risk factors, including unhealthy foods. Singapore, which might have as many as one million residents with diabetes by 2050, now requires soda producers toreduce sugar content.

Obesity and other lifestyle-related diseases have now become a “silent" long-term challenge that will cost governments in healthcare liabilities and lost productivity.

But improving public health requires more than piecemeal legislation: Governments must promote lifestyle changes through education and improve access to healthy foods.

Across Asia, rural populations accustomed to active farming jobs are migrating in increasing numbers to urban areas, where they occupy more sedentary manufacturing or service sector jobs. 

Due to time constraints and easy availability of affordable high-calorie foods, these migrant populations are also changing their eating habits."

It is obvious to any thinking person that fighting obesity cannot be juat tweaking one factor if it is caused by multiple factors n/or interlinked factors!!

On a personal basis, it is each individual's choice to decide if he/she wanted to doing the things that will keep obesity at bay!

For those who need psychological therapies to overcome compulsive eating, a special real life simulation can be helpful. 

Then to work on the supplies side. Make the bad ones rare n expensive while the good ones readily available n conveniently located at good prices!!

Innovation in making delicious foods fr these ingredients would be added incentives for the consumers!!

To truly resolved this need a holistic approach for sure. Piecemeal effort simply won't cut it. 

All the best to the individual ultimately as no one can live unhealthy for u!!