Title: Contribution of Grain Amaranth in Controlling Obesity with or Without Exercise

Obesity has become a bigger problem around the world than hunger and excess weight and associated complications is now the number one killer in the world. Indeed, obesity- a form of malnutrition- is the defining epidemic of... [ view full abstract ]

Obesity has become a bigger problem around the world than hunger and excess weight and associated complications is now the number one killer in the world. Indeed, obesity- a form of malnutrition- is the defining epidemic of our age, and one in twelve adults worldwide now have type 2 diabetes, (Global Nutrition Report 2015). However, although unhealthy foods and drinks are among the key drivers of obesity, food industry encourages the belief that exercise could counteract the impact of unhealthy eating. However, physical activity have little role in tackling obesity, (Journal of Sports Medicine, 2015)
This paper will demonstrate how Strategic Poverty Alleviation Systems –SPAS has been using grain amaranth-a non-grass cereal and a nutritional powerhouse which is also medicinal to control chronic obesity with or without exercise among urban and rural dwellers with very promising results. Communities in both rural and urban areas are trained on production, processing and utilization of grain amaranth to persistent maternal and childhood malnutrition and the growing epidemic of adult obesity.
Obese people who persistently take grain amaranth-based nutraceuticals for three months resume their normal weight. SPAS has also been promoting healthy choices by packaging public health messaging on established lifestyle risk factors-such as obesity and unhealthy diets-in a way that is attractive to the youth. And while the promotion of a healthy start in life and maternal health are central components of chronic diseases prevention and control, policies and practices that promote healthy eating from infancy to adulthood should be prioritized.
Goal number 3 of the SDGs seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote the well-being for all at all ages. Deliberate efforts to change our eating habits towards healthful foods seeking behavior and community participation in a culture of health should be a good start. But transformation is impossible without continuity.