This Monday is World Obesity Day and the date can serve to remember
how badly we Argentines eat
.
The last national survey of risk factors was carried out in 2018 and showed that more than 25% of Argentines are obese and 36% are overweight.
After the pandemic, experts agree that this percentage increased.
The risks to public health are evident.
The dietary deficiencies of Argentines have already been documented by experts such as nutritionist Sergio Britos, who speaks of excessive consumption of flour, planed and highly refined cereals, vegetables such as potatoes and also meats;
as well as low consumption of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and to a lesser extent dairy products.
Obesity is a disease associated with premature death, cardiovascular disease, cancer, dementia and disability.
Although the minimal State is now almost a religion to which the majority subscribes, whose mantra “There is no money” is respected without question, it is good to keep in mind
how much can be done through public policies to distort this reality.
First of all,
food education.
Due to the crisis, the number of students who eat in schools grew 21% in 8 years.
Today half of poor children receive lunch at school and there is an opportunity there.
But the
nutritional quality
of the food in school cafeterias
is far from what it should be
.
The eating patterns of the houses are repeated and there is no training or control for those in charge, the experts explain.
None of this seems to have been taken into account by the national Ministry of Human Capital when they reviewed and adjusted the items for school cafeterias.
Last week, 11 provincial ministers of Social Development demanded an adjustment in these funds, which complement the contribution that the provinces themselves must make for school cafeterias.
Impossible greengrocers.
The prices of fruits and vegetables increased the most.
Added to this is that the current
socioeconomic situation
does not at all favor healthy eating for families.
If there is something that increased much more than the average inflation rate, it is precisely
fruits and vegetables
.
Many of which are almost inaccessible today.
Various research shows that there is a
direct relationship between good nutrition and educational results
.
The national government says that they are organizing an ambitious literacy plan throughout the country, which goes beyond schools.
Can you be successful without paying attention to a diet that deteriorates day after day?