[Letter to the editor]Fat chance

Obesity has recently become a significant issue worldwide. Obesity is no longer an individual problem, but the “public enemy.” Several decades ago, malnutrition was a social issue, but these days, people are going to gyms or special clinics to lose fat they have gained due to overeating.
Obesity, which induces high blood pressure, diabetes and other diseases, is caused by diverse factors. However, people basically become obese as excessive amount of nutrients accumulate in their bodies.
To reduce children’s obesity, the government said it is considering restricting advertisement and sales of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods. But such foods should be designated with a scientific standard established via thorough verification, discussion and consensus among researchers.
No country has succeeded in reducing obesity among children by restricting food advertisements. To solve obesity, children must be required to maintain balanced diets and exercise properly. Education at home and school is necessary for this, and the government also should actively work to provide related programs to help children, our future, grow well.
Youn Bang-bu, a medical professor at Yonsei University