It is posible to solve the obesity epedemic?

In the last three decades, weight increase and obesity is on the rise in our country and around the globe in all sectors and age groups. Disease is also on the rise: diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and heart disease have all risen as processed, junk and fast foods have proliferated in the Philippines, killing people more than ever. In fact, it is projected that children born today will live shorter lives than their parents and grandparents because of the obesity epidemic. A shocking reality is that obesity, largely related to poor diet and inadequate physical activity, is a major cause of preventable disease and death globally. It is challenging and difficult to lose weight once someone becomes obese, since its causes are so intertwined into the social, environmental and governmental fabric. However, the tide of history is turning. More and more people are saying “No!” to foods that lead to illness, and “YES!” to foods that help us heal.

TO TRULY CONTROL OBESITY AND WEIGHT GAIN, WE NEED LARGE-SCALE, MULTI-FACETED TEAM EFFORT! A POSITIVE CHANGE MUST COME FROM ALL PARTS OF SOCIETY: government, schools and the department of education, individuals and families, health care practitioners, academe and food scientists, non-profit organizations, junk and fast food companies, media, neighborhoods and communities.

Government – FDA, Acting Director, Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go, declared categorically that the artificial sweeteners Aspartame and Monosodium glutamate (MSG) are safe (December 1, 2013); FDA Advisory No. 2013-014 promoted the safety of Genetically-Modified Foods produced through modern biotechnology; PROPONENTS of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) gained the upper-hand as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated it will not require labelling of GM products (December 8, 2013). The FDA and other government agencies are supposed to protect the health and food safety of the Filipino people. Instead, they are being used by Biotech, processed, junk and fast food companies in contaminating the food supply of the Philippines.

The stance the FDA takes is that it is not aware of any differences between non-GMO crops and GMO crops. Thus, no testing is required. There are literally thousands of studies and documents that explain how USFDA scientists are aware of the fact that genetically modified foods are quite different from ordinary foods. In fact, USFDA scientists had repeatedly warned that GM foods can create unpredictable, hard-to-detect side effects, including allergies, toxins, new diseases, and nutritional deficiencies. They urged long-term safety studies, but were ignored. The impact of GMO food on health has been largely ignored by our government regulators, but studies show serious problems.

After reviewing more than 600 scientific journals, world renowned biologist Pushpa M. Bhargava concludes that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are a major contributor to the sharply deteriorating global health.

Our Department of Health and Department of Agriculture are parroting the same stand. Fast and processed food companies in the Philippines are not required to list their ingredients, so the general public has no idea what is in their food. At least with multi-nationals, we can find each menu’s ingredients online. If we look at the long list of ingredient labels of fast food items, we will see many dangerous substances that have been linked to various cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and most definitely contribute to obesity. There are more than 65 scientific studies that show genetically modified foods mixed with MSG and other food additives are the primary contributors to weight gain, obesity, and chronic diseases. We need qualified, honest and dedicated people in the government, like Dr. Romeo F. Quijano, to help create different policy approaches and achieve improvements in food safety. This is especially crucial for food labeling, the ethics of marketing junk foods to children, and the need for new and sustainable agricultural system. The processed and fast food industry should be strictly regulated. Another measure is the imposition of higher food taxes, like that of cigarettes and alcohol, to processed, junk and fast food manufacturers.

Meanwhile, enjoy this “Junk/Fast Food Killer Juice.” (Make sure to scrub and wash well all vegetables and fruits before juicing). It is a MUST to use organic vegetables only.

• 1/3 pineapple
• 1 medium cucumber
• 2 apples (peeled if not organic)
• 2 limes (juice)
• 1 handful spinach, sweet potato or malunggay leaves

Juice all ingredients with your masticating juicer. Stir and serve at room temperature or chilled, as desired.

I have found our 14 years’ mission work in the Philippines immensely rewarding. Over the years, we have done our best to help communities campaign for food safety, child nutrition, prevention of chronic diseases, sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. Along the way, we have met countless people who are making a difference, and whose self-sacrifice makes our work seem insignificant. However, the challenge still remains. Can we do it? Or has the poison seeped too far into our systems that we all need to suffer the consequence of the overweight and obesity epidemic? I am very optimistic about the possibilities for change. I absolutely believe that our Filipino youth, given the proper care, guidance and environment, can lead the world to a more healthy and sustainable society! Together, we can bring about change if everyone will work for the common good! For more information or questions, please email me at at [email protected]

Christine E.V. Gonzalez is a doctor of naturopathic medicine and holds PhDs
in holistic nutrition and natural medicine. LLM (MS Environmental Laws & Labor)
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