European Obesity Day is happening this Saturday the 20th of May.
The aim of the day is to raise awareness at both European and national levels to improve prevention, treatment, and care for those struggling with obesity.
Fundamentally, obesity is defined as an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended, so why is this a global issue? Essentially, there’s been an increased intake of energy-dense foods that are high in fat and an increase in physical inactivity across the board.
So, what right does a wee twig like me have to write a comment piece on obesity? Well, it’s a fair point… I’ve never been overweight, but I’m no Gigi Hadid, it’s not down to genetics or luck… it’s down to my parents.
Time and again as a youngster I’d wonder why I’d miss out on birthday parties. I’d kick up a fuss, I’d scream, I’d lock myself in my bedroom and ball tears of frustration. I didn’t know it at the time, but looking back I can see it, they didn’t want me to miss out… they were protecting me.
A big fad of the 90’s was holding birthday parties at McDonald’s or Burger King. You’d get to sit in the pirate ship (so I’m told), Happy Meals were the feast of choice, there was the toy of course, and you might even get a visit from Ronald McDonald himself (terrifying… glad I missed that), and where was I?
Probably at home eating a salad.
Before the fitfam obsession took hold, long before belfies or ab shots, my parents had a very clear and well thought-out plan about what their kids should be putting in their bodies.
So tight were the regulations, that my dear Nana used to sneak in chocolate to me and my brother, she would chop up chomp bars and wrap them in tissue paper, concealing the chocolate contraband in her sleeve for when the jailers (parents) left.
This may sound very dramatic, my brother and I had a wonderful upbringing, there was just a distinct lack of junk food, and perhaps, as a result, we were never bribed by food, as we didn’t really crave anything.
Did it always lend itself to a healthy way of eating? No, and there was a time when I was younger that I had no interest in food whatsoever, I still struggle with vegetables and I do have the capability of putting on weight.
My whole family are susceptible, and we all watch our weight because of what we’ve seen some of our loved ones go through.
My Nana, who would go to the ends of the earth to get us chocolate, struggled with her weight most of her adult life and her final years were plagued with complications due to her diabetes. She was the happiest lady we knew, and to watch her body give up was heartbreaking.
In the office, I’ve come in for some slagging, the ‘never has Niamh tried’ list is ever growing: creme eggs… Jaffa cakes… french fancies (I am making up for it). But when days like European Obesity Day roll around, I’m nothing but grateful for the stern position my parents took.
The World Health Organisation recognises obesity as a chronic illness, childhood obesity, in particular, is being highlighted as a public health issue. It’s not as simple as saying if our parents were more vigilant obesity would be eradicated, but it is about hammering home the importance of making the right choices.
I may look a little daft now and again because I don’t know the difference between a Big Mac or a quarter pounder, but ultimately I was protected from a disease that has serious health implications such as diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis and even cancer.
It’s something to think about…depriving a child is not the answer but there are alternatives.
And Ronald McDonald is f**king terrifying anyway.
