Define National Approach to deal with the Prevention of Obesity?
A number of countries have adopted a national approach to deal with the prevention of obesity and other non-communicable diseases. At a symposium on 'Obesity' at the M Asian Congress of Nutrition, in 2003, Mabel Durenberger-Yap of National University of Singapore discussed the health promotion strategies to reduce obesity in her small and highly urbanized country, Singapore. Singapore had initiated National Healthy Lifestyle Programmes and School Health Promotion Programmes twenty years ago to promote healthy eating and active life styles with a view to reduce the risk factors associated with lifestyle related non-communicable diseases. Strong governmental support, as well as, consistent effort by the organizers has resulted in reducing obesity rates today, particularly among children. Adults have also been highly motivated to engage in physical activity. The government has developed a number of parks and swimming pools at short distances near residential areas to facilitate participation in aerobic exercises and games. Schools besides classroom teaching have special emphasis on sports and outdoor exercises. Evaluation of these programmes to reduce obesity is regularly being carried out in order that they may be improved upon and may become more effective. Special emphasis is also given to health promotion research and evaluation. The country has been successful in setting an example which other nations must try to emulate.