the western/american diet – how would you describe it?
TRANSCRIPT
THE WESTERN/AMERICAN DIET – HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE IT?
HUNGRY PLANET
Peter Menzel (2005)How many people in the family?Food types:
Fresh? Processed? Preserved? Variety?
What types of technologies were used to produce these foods?
NORTH CAROLINA
CALIFORNIA
LUXEMBURG
MEXICO: THE CASALES FAMILY OF CUERNAVACA
INDIA: THE PATKARS OF UJJAIN
BHUTAN: THE NAMGAY FAMILY OF SHINGKHEY VILLAGE
EGYPT: THE AHMED FAMILY OF CAIRO
THE MODERN WESTERN DIET
Meat-centered: meat is main course of every meal
processed foods!
Refined grains and sugars
Over-cooked vegetables
Many convenience foods or “fast food”
High fat, salt and sugar contents
Lacking in whole vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains
WHOLE VS. PROCESSED FOODS – A SPECTRUM
Potato example Your example
MAJOR HEALTH EFFECTS OF THE MODERN WESTERN DIETHypertension- high-blood pressure, can be worsened by over-intake of salt
Heart Disease- gradual malfunctioning of heart due to accumulation of cholesterol from animal and vegetable fats in arteries
Leading cause of death in U.S. and U.K.
MAJOR HEALTH EFFECTS OF THE MODERN WESTERN DIET
Diabetes- high blood sugar, malfunctioning of pancreas . Can lead to blindness, loss of feet/limbs.
Obesity- excess body that may have an adverse effect on health, reduced life expectancy and/or increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems, and certain cancers
BMI = WEIGHT/HEIGHT2
WHY?
In 2011, African American women were 80% more likely to be obese than Non-Hispanic White women.
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders are 30% times more likely to be obese than the overall Asian American population.
In 2009- 2010 Mexican American children, between the ages 6 and 17, were 60% more likely to be overweight then non- Hispanic White Children.
American Indian/Alaskan Natives are 60 percent more likely to be obese than Non-Hispanic whites.
WHY??????WHY IS THE UNHEALTHY STUFF SO MUCH CHEAPER???
WHAT IS THIS FAMILY’S DILEMMA?
Can they avoid fast food?
Why is processed food so cheap?
What are their options?
FOOD DESERT: AREA WITH LIMITED ACCESS TO FRESH FOOD.
In these areas, people may get their food from: Gas stations
Convenience stores
Fast food outlets
MEXICO: THE CASALES FAMILY OF CUERNAVACA
MEXICO – WORLD’S HIGHEST OBESITY RATE
32.8% Mexico/ 31.8% US9.2% of Mexican children have diabetesCoke – 43 gal/person/year – highest rate in the world2012 – Taxed junk food and soda by 8% (1peso on 1L
Coke) Money used for health programs and to improve drinking water
fountains in schools
FOOD FORWARD!