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Running head: OBESITY IN THE UK1OBESITY IS A HEALTH ISSUE IN UKNameInstitution
OBESITY IN THE UK2Obesity is a Health Issue in the UK1.IntroductionObesity stands out as one of the most prevalent epidemiologic challenge plaguing healthcaresystems all over the world, gulping immense resources. The incidence of the condition hasrisen in the past 30 years not only in the UK but most countries especially Western countries.Figures on obesity from the UK paint a poor state of health pertaining to the condition. TheWorld Health Organisation (WHO) actually describes the situation in the UK as "a publichealth bomb"[ CITATION Aca13 \l 1033 ], and that the rates in the country are“just aboutthe worst in Europe”[ CITATION Nat14 \l 1033 ].The WHO defines obesity as the excessiveaccumulation of fat to a point that it represents a risk to health[ CITATION Att14 \l 1033 ].Another definition of obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) greater than orequal to30 kg/m2[ CITATION Rya10 \l 1033 ].A common description of obesity that isoften adopted in the medical cycle is the increased deposition of adipose tissue, which resultsfrom the enlargement of fat cells, which may also be accompanied by a rise in their number.This paper investigates various elements of obesity as a health issue in the UK. This includesdimensions of socioeconomic, why it is an important nursing issue, its epidemiology anddemography, and health inequalities that influence the issue.2.Obesity in the UKThe top five big killers in England are attributable to obesity in one way or another.According to the Department of Health, heart disease, stroke, cancer, lung, and liver diseaseare the top killers which also happen to be linked to obesity[ CITATION All07 \l 1033 ].There is a steady and weighty social gradient in the occurrence of obesity in the England.
OBESITY IN THE UK3High levels of obesity are reported in women and children of lower socio-economicgroupings[ CITATION Rob07 \l 1033 ]. Considering Europe as a whole, 20-25% of theobesity is found in males, whereas 40 to 50% of the obesity is found in females.3.Significance to NursingThis is an important health issue for nursing today because obesity poses a significant risk tothe health of the masses. The nurse's role in managing the condition and accompanyingburden is based on obesity, its causes, burden, and treatments. Nurses should be able tounderstand the interaction of different factors which include environmental, physiologic, andpsychological which play a role in the obesity epidemic.4.Epidemiology and DemographyIn Western Europe, the UK ranks first among countries with the highest levels of obesity.The UK leads with 24.9% followed by Ireland at 24.5%[ CITATION NHS151 \l 1033 ].TheUN Food and Agriculture Organisation reports the incidence of obesity in the UK as one inevery four adults being obese[ CITATION FAO13 \l 1033 ]. The level of obesity in the UKhas more than tripled from 6% in men and 8% in women in the 1980s, with over 24.8% ofadults classified as obese[ CITATION Hea13 \l 1033 ].Obesity in the UK has been linked toincome, social deprivation and obese. In the UK, obese persons are more likely to be found inurban dwellings[ CITATION Bak17 \l 1033 ]. Lower income areas of London have thehighest rates of obesity especially childhood obesity compared to the rest of the UK. In termsof regions, the North East of UK has the highest incidence of obesity[ CITATION Bak17 \l1033 ].
OBESITY IN THE UK45.Impact of health inequalities: Socioeconomic factorsa)IncomePersons with lower income levels are disproportionately more likely to be obese. This is incontrary of the common misconception that people with higher income levels in developedcountries are more likely to be obese[ CITATION Tar14 \l 1033 ].Evidence from variousstudies indicates that the likelihood of developing obesity is increased with lower income andis inversely associated with the socioeconomic status.[ CITATION Ama09 \l 1033 ].Asattested by the former public health minister, Anna Soubry, poorer people have a tendency ofbeing overweight[ CITATION Mon13 \l 1033 ].This assessment is based on the correlationbetween deprivation and obesity in which the prevalence of obesity increases or remains thesame with increased deprivation.A notable observation is that in lower-income countries, persons with higher socioeconomicstatus have an increased likelihood of becoming obese. Whereas, in high-income countries,persons with a higher socioeconomic status are less likely to be obese[ CITATION Fre12 \l1033 ].The possible explanation for this reversal is that there is a possibility that in lowerincome countries, a higher socioeconomic status translates to increased consumption of high-caloric food and avoiding physical activity, whereas, in higher income countries, those withhigher socioeconomic status have a tendency to eat healthily and regular exercise.b)EducationEvidence from studies has shown a positive correlation between education and health[ CITATION Mar111 \l 1033 ].True to this, there is an established positive correlationbetween education and obesity in which a better education lowers the likelihood of becomingobese. According to Devaux and fellows (2011), evidence from a number of OECD countries