Creative Projects: Current Animation Project

My animation project will use simple drawings to explore issues related to obesity. I have summarised my research findings and decided to animate the following text:

In the last 25 years childhood obesity rates in London and New York City have more than doubled. Each city has initiated a variety of policies and programs to reduce childhood obesity, but a very few policy makers or researchers believe that the current responses are adequate to reverse the increases in obesity. But why is it that so much has been done with so little result?

Although there is no proven cure for childhood obesity, strong evidence supports the value of prevention, rather then treatment. Children who are obese are up to 10 times more likely to become obese teenagers and adults battling diabetes, heart disease, elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, hypertension and some forms of cancer. Supporting young peoples development of healthy lifestyles saves them and society the effort and cost associated with trying to lose weight.

Once young people develop behaviours that lead to weight gain these habits will be difficult to change.

The places where children live, learn and play have a significant impact on their health. Low-income neighbourhoods have fewer parks and sport facilities. But even if the facilities are there, they are often out of financial reach to less well-off. For instance, out of 66 sites that offer health and fitness facilities in the London borough of Westminster, only 7 are council-run.

There is no magic bullet but local governments can provide support and leadership for communities and change policies to change behaviours. In both cities, private financial and business interests have a strong voice in governance and policy making.

For instance when the NY state considered imposing a tax on sweetened beverages, Pepsi Cola threatened to move its bottling plant out of New York. This was enough for the Governor to withdrew the proposal despite advocacy by children’s health groups.

In London, the association of Coca-Cola, Mcdonald’s and Cadbury confectionery maker, severely compromises the ability to use the 2012 Olympic Games to promote good health.

It seems that food and retail industries with deep pockets often undermine modest incentive to change. Today fast food is less expensive and more available than healty food. It’s also significantly more advertised than healthy foods. One British study found that after watching advertisements for fast food, obese children increased their food consumption by 134%.

The media continues to promote power of branding and children surrounded by unrealistic ideals of body shape are particularly vulnerable to developing eating disorders.

Michele Obama has recently suggested, “These words – overweight and obese”- they don’t tell the full story. It isn’t just about inches and pounds. It’s about how our kids feel, and how they feel about themselves.

The prevention of obesity can save young people from the distress that obesity imposes by lowering self-esteem and contribution to social isolation.

Meal programs at school providing free nutritional lunches together with increasing opportunities for physical activity could make a difference.

To improve health in our cities, we need to open the door to modifying the fundamental causes in childhood obesity. London and New York can show other cities around the world that by working together we can truly make a difference and eradicate obesity.

Working progress