[Marxism] Obesity reduction and its possible consequences: What can [North Americans] learn from Cuba's Special Period?

["Richard Fidler" <rfidler_8@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Interesting comparative study in current issue of Canadian Medical
Journal:

Key points 

. During the economic crisis Cuba experienced in the 1990s, energy
intake per capita gradually decreased to 1863 kcal/d (7820 kJ/d)
and the proportion of physically active adults increased from 30%
to 67%. These changes affected the whole population and were
sustained for almost 5 years. 

. The result was widespread modest weight loss (4-5 kg, or 5%-6%
of body weight) and a decline in all-cause mortality and rates of
death from diabetes and cardiovascular disease. 

. Countries such as Canada and the United States, where more than
half the population is either overweight or obese, could benefit
from health policies whose aim is population-wide weight loss. 

. Population changes would need to be made at all social and
political levels, including provincial, territorial and municipal
levels and at schools, workplaces and households. 

. Interventions should include making fruits and vegetables more
readily available and less expensive, reducing the availability
and increasing the prices of high-energy foods, and promoting
walking and bicycling as means of transportation. 

Full: http://tinyurl.com/63pxuw



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