A BIG Problem

                                                                    

  

 Over the past few decades New Zealand has experienced a rise in obesity, as has the rest of the world. The 2008/09 New Zealand adult nutrition survey found that 37.8% of adults were considered overweight ( BMI <25) and 27% were considered obese( BMI <30).
The 2006/07 New Zealand health survey found that 20.9% of children were overweight and 8.9% were obese. In both these surveys Maori and Pacific Islanders were overrepresented, as were people living in low socioeconomic areas.


Being obese brings many health risks, including type 2 diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, certain types of cancer, breathing difficulties, fertility problems, high blood pressure, and psychological problems.

Causes
The main cause of obesity, put simply, is an imbalance between food intake and energy expenditure. The accessibility of highly-processed, calorific foods is a significant factor. Enter K.F.C. With it's relatively cheap, quick and easy food it has become a popular meal option. Many people don't have time to cook, particularly now that most families have two working parents. Although there are healthier takeaway options, such as Subway and Pita Pit, it's surprising that K.F.C remains so popular. It's popularity is most likely down to it;s large quantities of salt, sugar and fat. Humans are naturally more receptive to these flavours, as they were the most important for survival during evolution. However in our modern world, humans don't need such large quantities of these and they do more harm than good.
 

 Calorie Content
 The recommended daily calorie intake is 1940 for women, and 2550 for men. When people who aren't doing an intense exercise regime exceed this number, the excess calories are stored as excess fat. Foods such as K.F.C, which have very high calorie counts in comparison to size, are the most dangerous. Just one chicken drumstick contains 160 calories. It's unlikely that somebody would order just one drumstick, they would probably also order some sides and a soft drink.

Imagine somebody ordered two chicken drumsticks, a medium chips, and a large potato and gravy. In total this meal would contain 1970 calories. This is already more than the recomended daily intake for a woman.

It would be unfair to say that K.F.C is solely responsible for today's obesity epidemic, but I think we have to consider it a major factor. A label listing the calorie count on all food items would be a good idea, as it would make people think more about what they are eating. Of course some people would continue eating K.F.C regularly, but at least they would be making an informed decision to do so.