The problem of obesity in Spain

The 21st century has brought with it a large number of advances, whether thanks to the fight for equality, new technologies, development of renewable energies, etc. However, in the field of health it has been a serious problem that is difficult to solve.

According to the National Health Survey, 21.6% of the adult population suffers from obesity , which represents an increase of 200% compared to the 1970s. The uncontrolled growth of this figure represents a real challenge to society, which usually does not perceive the problem.

And many of you will wonder , what is the origin of this growth? The easy answer would be to blame the giant of fast food brands: the United States. However, the problem involves more factors:

• Physical exercise: The increase in technology has meant an advance in the development of many sectors and has provided facilities to do everything from home. That same fact has caused society to adopt tendencies to stay at home looking for entertainment instead of going out, which makes people spend less and less energy, generating fat and increasing their weight.

Childhood obesity, which affects 1 in 6 children, is mainly due to this. A question for those who have not lived their childhood in technology. Didn't you go out into the street to play ball or hide-and-seek with your friends ?

• Abandonment of the Mediterranean diet : Mediterranean countries such as Malta, Greece, Italy and Spain are adopting a change towards foods with fewer vegetables, processed foods and, ultimately, have a less satiating effect, forgetting about the wonders of food Mediterranean rich in nutrients and with a greater satiating power.

• Fast food and "Delivery": This is where the " zero patient " of this disease comes in. The United States is the country with the highest percentage of obesity, with 40%. The American country, known for being a promoter of big business, has been no less so with fast food restaurants, which, together with the "Delivery" effect, with which they take the food home, makes the two sections above mentioned unite to abandon the movement and healthy food for " junk food " and mobile or television.

These factors facilitate the appearance of diseases that pose very serious problems such as diabetes, cancer, bone and joint problems, hypertension, kidney problems, anxiety, cognitive deterioration... and a list so long that it would be ironically worrying dont worry.

Avoiding these problems and maintaining normal physical exercise together with a nutritionally balanced diet are important steps in the fight against this disease so deeply rooted in society.