I use the idea of a perfect storm to look at obesity in our society. The reason being, that the results we are seeing in our society are on a epidemic level. The reason for this is just as diverse as the population it affects. To better look at obesity, I've found it more interesting (and less frustrating) to look at the system in place to achieve such results. If we think of the system it would take to produce the results we are seeing, I feel it is easier to understand what elements impact obesity, and which merely support it.
An example of this would be, if I wanted to lose weight I could develop a system that could help me achieve this goal. By regularly eating healthy foods and exercising I could directly impact my objective. Whereas by merely watching less television or reading more material on weight-loss would only support my objective rather than impacting it.
When thinking about what this system would impact I noticed four components that could aid this system in bringing about the results we see in our society today. These categorical systems are: environmental, genetic, cultural and educational.
Over several discussions, we will delve into these individually as subsets of the idea of a systems approach to obesity. I feel that to look at how this storm sustains or creates its power, gives us better insight to how to reduce its impact, thus lessening the damage it produces.
