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The Perception of Obesity in Society and Its Impact: Reflecting on the Italian Embassy’s Role

The Perception of Obesity in Society and Its Impact: Reflecting on the Italian Embassy's Role body, Italian Embassy, Obesity, public mind Food and Beverage Business

According to the Health Survey for England 2021, approximately 25.9% of adults in the UK are obese, which represents one quarter of the population. Furthermore, a survey conducted in 2021 revealed that around 12% of adults in Italy are obese. These high rates of obesity are concerning due to the various health risks associated with it, including heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Before addressing the issue of obesity, it is important to identify its root causes. Instead of solely focusing on individual agency, experts suggest that examining the social and physiological factors would provide a more nuanced understanding of the issue. This perspective challenges the notion that individuals with obesity are solely at fault due to a lack of self-control.

During a panel discussion at the ‘Positive Nutrition’ event held at the Italian Embassy in London, Professor Paul Gately, CEO of the charity Obesity UK, emphasized the complexity surrounding obesity and the significance of the social context in which it occurs.

Gately highlighted how the parameters of the issue constantly shift depending on the context. For instance, obesity rates vary within families living in different areas of London, with more affluent communities showing different obesity risk profiles compared to central London. This variability extends to communities, regions, and even at a European and global level.

Access to support, gym facilities, leisure activities, and education also play a vital role in managing obesity. Many members of Obesity UK, which boasts a membership of approximately 25,000 individuals, feel that these resources are limited, hindering their ability to effectively manage their weight.

Obesity is a complex condition, influenced by physiological characteristics more closely than commonly believed. Professor Francesco Rubino, Chair of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery at King’s College London, discovered that bariatric surgery, initially thought to work solely by reducing food intake, actually has a profound impact on weight regulation and sugar metabolism. As a result, individuals undergoing this surgery experience sustainable weight loss.

Rubino emphasized that obesity is not a choice but a physiological condition. The ability to regulate weight varies among individuals and is not equally achievable for everyone.

Various physiological factors contribute to obesity. Recent research in the field found that individuals with obesity lack a crucial switch in the brain that typically signals to stop eating once the nutrients are detected in the gut. This absence of a physical signal to curb eating further adds to the complexity of the condition.

Obesity often faces unjust stigma due to the perception that it results from personal choices. Gately encountered many obese individuals who feel responsible for their weight. He argued that society unfairly stigmatizes obesity, and fails to show empathy equivalent to other conditions impacted by lifestyle choices, such as cancer and heart disease. Gately emphasized that similar to these conditions, obesity arises from a combination of lifestyle, genetic, and physiological factors.

The negative perception surrounding obesity creates a significant barrier to providing quality care for individuals living with obesity. Overcoming this stigma and seeing people with obesity as deserving of equal care is crucial in making progress.

Both Gately and Rubino highlighted the detrimental effects of this stigma. The belief that obesity can be resolved solely through lifestyle changes perpetuates blame towards individuals with obesity. This blame occurs both for acquiring the condition and for not doing enough to overcome it.

In conclusion, addressing the issue of obesity requires a comprehensive understanding of its root causes, including social and physiological factors. By breaking the stigma and providing equal care, society can take a significant step forward in supporting individuals with obesity.

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