Posted: September 4th, 2022

How technology and what we consume contribute to obesity

How technology and what we consume contribute to obesity
Obesity has been a key concern particularly in developing countries such as the United States of America where close to half of the population is obese. Obesity causes chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer which lead to premature death. It is estimated that one out of four deaths in the US is caused by chronic diseases. Technology and what we consume has majorly contributed to obesity.
Although technology has positively contributed to the food industry. It has also disadvantaged a high number of people by facilitating the production of processed and genetically modified foods. It has replaced traditional methods of preservation such as salting with more technology-based preservation methods. Some of these modern methods destroy healthy fats. The foods are also flavored with artificial colorings that make them sweeter.
These foods are condensed to reduce water and make it easier to transport them. This increases the number of calories and energy in the foods. Given that most people do not engage in vigorous exercising due to the development of technology that has promoted sedentary lifestyles and little exercising. People who consume these foods add weight.
In the Paleolithic era, early people only consumed plants and animals. Plants have all the nutrients necessary for preventing chronic diseases. When these nutrients are exposed to chemicals, they lower its nutritional value. Minimizing health benefits and the ability to fight diseases. Today, people consume food based on the amount rather than the nutritional value. They consume a large number of foods that contain a low nutritional value. Food production companies alter foods to the liking of the customer. Processed foods have low fiber and contain a high concentration of sugar. There is a high number of foods with high fructose corn syrup, sweeteners, and flavors.
The agricultural revolution brought about innovations that made it easier to produce foods. This reduced the cost of food. Making food more affordable, increased its consumption. This led to an increase in the number of obese people. Obesity burdens the health care system of a country. In the US it burdens programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. It has also led to an increase in demand for medication and equipment required to cater to people with complications caused by obesity.
In the last few decades, technology has altered food consumption. Making it easy to massively produce foods with additives and preservatives that lower their nutritional value. It has also promoted sedentary lifestyles with little exercise. This has led to an increase in the number of obese people, particularly, in developing countries.
References
Ludwig, David S. “Technology, diet, and the burden of chronic disease.” Jama 305.13 (2011): 1352-1353.
Lakdawalla, Darius, Tomas Philipson, and Jay Bhattacharya. “Welfare-enhancing technological change and the growth of obesity.” American Economic Review 95.2 (2005): 253-257.

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