Understanding multifactorial aspects of weight management provides options for food industry

An escalating global epidemic

Overweight and obesity are increasing at an alarming rate throughout the world. In 2005, there were approximately 1.6 billion adults (age 15+) overweight, and at least 400 million were obese. The World Health Organization (WHO) projects that by 2015, approximately 2.3 billion adults will be overweight and more than 700 million will be obese. In the Netherlands, the prevalence of overweight in adults is over 45%, whereas the prevalence in the United States exceeds 70%. The growing prevalence of overweight and obesity among children is of special concern. In the Netherlands and the United States, prevalence of overweight in children has been estimated to be over 15% and 30%, respectively. Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of premature death and disability in adulthood.

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. Body Mass Index (BMI), a simple weight-for-height index (defined as weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters (kg/m²)), is a useful population level measure of overweight and obesity. However, it should only be considered as a rough guide because it may not correspond to the same degree of fatness in different individuals. WHO defines “overweight” as a BMI equal to or more than 25 and “obesity” as a BMI equal to or more than 30.

The fundamental cause of overweight and obesity is an energy imbalance between calories consumed (e.g., through food and beverages) on one hand, and calories expended (e.g., through physical exercise) on the other. A number of factors have been linked to overweight and obesity, including age, gender and socio-economic status. Genetic and behavioral as well as environmental factors are involved, making overweight and obesity a complex health issue to address.

Preventable health consequences

The consequences of overweight can range from psychological effects to physiological conditions, each of which may seriously reduce a person’s quality of life. Raised BMI is a major risk factor for several health conditions and chronic diseases like sleep apnea and respiratory problems, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis and some cancers.

According to the WHO, overweight and obesity, as well as their related conditions and diseases, are largely preventable. Helping people to avoid becoming overweight or obese is of major importance. Effective prevention strategies require sustained political commitment and the collaboration between many stakeholders, both within the public and the private sectors. Healthy environments should be created in which regular physical exercise is stimulated. Healthy diets and lifestyles should be promoted. People should be educated about the food they eat and its link with their health. Hence, multiple strategies and sustained efforts of many stakeholders are needed to tackle the obesity epidemic.

Responsibility of and options for the food industry

The food industry has taken up the gauntlet and is addressing this issue dynamically. It is taking responsibility by reformulating many products, and improving consumer information, labeling and advertising.

Product or meal modifications in which concentrations of one or more “traditional” ingredients have been adjusted, for instance the lowering of trans fatty acids, saturated fat, sugars and /or salt, may result in an important contribution to human health. Likewise, increased amounts of fibers in various products or adding more vegetables to meals may be equally important.

Furthermore, there is a significant and growing market for functional food type of products that help to assist consumers in obtaining and maintaining a healthy weight. Products like meal replacers aim at caloric reduction. Another category of food products assisting in weight management is fat absorption blockers. They reduce the amount of calories that are actually taken up by the body. In addition, products increasing the metabolic rate and/or burning fat have been introduced into the market. There is also a great demand for ingredients or products that speed up the process of satiation (feeling full) and/or induce long-term feelings of satiety (absence of hunger), which may help to control weight as well.

The Dutch context

Physiological processes involved in food intake, metabolism and control of appetite are complex and not yet fully understood. Furthermore, raising awareness and interest in health benefits of foods requires great tasting products, convincing scientific evidence, and an effective communication strategy. Weight management, therefore, comprises a challenging research area which is being actively explored in the Netherlands by well-recognized institutes and companies, as well as through government financed public-private partnerships. The examples presented in this newsletter speak for themselves and we hope will lead you to explore your innovation plans and business opportunities within a Dutch context.

For more information on outsourcing, partnerships with Dutch companies, or setting up operations in the Netherlands, email foodforthought@nfia.com