Introduction
Healthcare has been radically changed by globalization, which has broken down national borders and connected the world. As a result, the world is now a connected place in matters of health. Notably, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are leaders in addressing these issues (Rasche, 2020).
This paper will explore global health issues that resonate both locally and globally, obesity, chronic diseases that come with excessively unhealthy saturated fats, and, of course, life-threatening weight issues. The specification for this case could be a detailed analysis of its prevalence and impact in the Southeastern US. This area is a symbol of cultural diversity, and the recent health challenges provide a backdrop for understanding the complexity of obesity.
Description of Selected Global Health Issue
Being overweight, globally considered the top health issue, is defined as having too much fat in the body, which negatively affects the health of individuals and health care expenses. The South has notably elevated obesity rates. CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) data indicate that 34% of adults and 20% of children in this region are obese (Imoisili et al., 2021). Because of the cultural and socioeconomic diversity of this area, many factors affect obesity prevalence, including dietary practices, levels of physical activity, and access to healthcare.
Factors Influencing the Health Issue
Socioeconomic issues are relevant, especially when lower-income communities face difficulties accessing healthy food and physical activity spaces. The practices and traditions of particular cultures and nations will also affect dietary patterns, leading to a greater reliance on energy-rich products (da Costa et al., 2022). Environmental factors, such as the environment and neighborhood, may limit people’s physical activity and, therefore, their access to healthy living. For example, constrained facilities such as parks and sporting fields may prevent people from engaging in healthy outdoor activities, leading to sedentary lifestyles and obesity.
Impact of Globalization on the Health Issue
The spread of fast food and the dominance of multinational food companies have led to an abundance of calorie-rich, nutrient-poor meals. These, in turn, become the main items in the unhealthy dietary habits that result in obesity. Consequently, urbanization and information technology have been major factors in widespread inactivity, which, along with other factors, have led to a worsening obesity situation worldwide.
Identified SDG Targeting the Issue
One SDG that directly addresses obesity is SDG 3: Healthy Lifestyles. However, the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 and non-communicable diseases, including obesity-related diseases, are the particular focus here (Ralston et al., 2021). It sets a target of avoiding one-third of deaths through prevention and treatment by 2030.
Local and Global Initiatives to Address Obesity
Focusing on the southeastern United States, one prominent example in the category of community organizations and local agencies undertaking “healthy communities” initiatives is the Clarkbill Health Organization. This initiative has been established to help community members adopt healthier dietary and physical activity habits and to prevent obesity through urban planning, community gardens, and nutrition education programs. On a global scale, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the “Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity, and Health,” aiming to promote healthier diets and physical activity (Hüsrevşahi, 2022). Local and global campaigns share the common objective of lowering obesity prevalence.
Similarities and Differences Between Local and Global Initiatives
While there are some similarities, there are also some vital differences between the two programs. Instead of a national policy, we call for local initiatives sensitive to regional needs and aspirations, taking into account factors such as cultural diversity, socioeconomic gaps, and regional health issues.
Alignment with the Identified SDG
Both the local and global initiatives align with SDG 3: The ultimate goal of Sustainable Development Goal 3 is to ensure good health and well-being, including Target 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from chronic diseases, particularly obesity. By promoting practices and an environmentally conscious approach to health determinants, these programs play a key role in achieving this SDG and advancing global health equity.
Opportunities for the MSN-Prepared Nurse to Support Local and Global Initiatives
MSN nurses, who keep up with trends in their profession, play a very important role in supporting local and international efforts to address obesity. In the Southeast USA, nurse practitioners with an MSN degree can participate in the “Healthy Communities” program, which leverages their skills in community nursing, patient education, and advocacy (Grosso et al., 2020). At the global level, MSN nurses can participate in WHO-led initiatives that apply their clinical ideas and skills to promote obesity prevention and disease management worldwide.
Proposed Nursing Strategy to Address Obesity
A nursing strategy for treating obesity is the broad adoption of Telehealth and digital health interventions. Modern technology is reshaping the delivery of obesity management services, benefiting communities that are generally underserved and have very limited access to traditional healthcare settings.
Intended Impact of the Proposed Strategy on Global Health
The Telehealth and digital health strategy, which is being proposed, affects global health by removing barriers to obesity prevention and management, such as geographic distance, socio-economic problems, shortages of healthcare services, etc. Using technology as a tool, MSN-prepared nurses provide evidence-based practices targeting a wider group, including people in rural and remote areas, as well as underserved groups and people unable to pay for healthcare.
Conclusion
Generally, obesity, the main international health issue, is particularly prevalent in the southeastern United States. By a complicated interaction of socioeconomic, cultural, environmental, and global factors, the problems with obesity become more complicated, posing serious risks for health and making the healthcare systems suffer worldwide. One factor that has definitely contributed to the increase in obesity is globalization. These efforts align with SDG 3: No. 3 Good Health and Well-being, whose scope includes the prevention and treatment of noncommunicable diseases, including obesity.
References
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Imoisili, O., Dooyema, C., Kompaniyets, L., Lundeen, E. A., Park, S., Goodman, A. B., & Blanck, H. M. (2021). Prevalence of overweight and obesity among children enrolled in head start, 2012–2018. American Journal of Health Promotion, 35(3), 334-343.
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