Examining Our Food Consumption Practices for Better Health and Well-Being

Obesity is a global epidemic and despite being a major leading cause of death and disease, is not viewed to be as perilous and critical as other epidemics such as cholera, dengue fever or West Nile virus. Excessive and unhealthy consumption practices are killing people and costing millions of dollars in the health care industry. While it is recognized that the causes of this epidemic are perhaps far more complex than other health crises, the solutions that have been identified are limited in focus and fail to consider the comprehensive nature of the issue. While beneficial, it is not enough to increase fruit and vegetable intake or physical activity. A review of research on food practices is revealing of some of the factors that are leading to our excess baggage but the studies tend to be concentrated on singular influences without placing the consumption behaviors into context with the other contributors to this condition. Certainly, research on increases in portion or serving sizes, consumer behavior patterns, social, technological and other lifestyle influences on eating, as well as food source and quality, labeling, packaging and distribution are all extremely relevant. However, effectively addressing the obesity issue demands an examination and understanding of how, when, where, why and what people eat. Until there is a commitment to a more universal multi-disciplinary approach to this societal affliction, we will continue to be tipping the scale toward a gluttonous and malignant existence.