Missing links in the obesity epidemic

Obesity is increasing at a high rate in developed and developing countries. Steps to alter this trend in growing body weight have failed. The reason for this failure has been inadequate teaching of healthful dietary practices to children in early grades, overemphasis of the importance of greater weight and stature during infancy and adolescence, lack of a national unified anti-obesity program, and failure to commit to long-term health practitioner support for those individuals needing help to lose weight. Increasing macrosomia is also a negative factor based on recent studies. Food promotion by industry and the physician's fear of childhood wasting and failure to thrive has created an environment in which almost everyone in developed countries suffers from excess calories, saturated fat, and protein. Failure to change our priorities and current dietary practices will result in continued increases in overweight, chronic diseases, and associated costs. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.