Chapter 5. The Importance of Taking a Global View

The Psychology, Biology, and Politics of Food PSYC 123 - Lecture 1 - Introduction: What We Eat, Why We Eat, and the Key Role of Food in Modern Life Chapter 5. The Importance of Taking a Global View Impact of Globalization on Food and Diet  Importance of a Global View The material emphasizes the importance of having a global view. It suggests that when discussing topics like marketing and food, it is crucial to consider the entire world and its dynamics. Understanding the global perspective is not only important for being good neighbors and citizens but also for comprehending the impact of one's actions on a global scale. By having a global view, individuals can better understand the interconnectedness of various factors, such as the export of food environment and norms, the influence on world prices and food costs, and the changing dietary patterns worldwide. This broader perspective enables individuals to make informed decisions, address global challenges, and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world. A. Understanding The World and Its Dynamics It emphasizes the need to comprehensively understand various factors that shape the world, including economic, political, and social dynamics. This understanding is crucial for making informed decisions, especially in areas like marketing and food, where global perspectives play a significant role. B. Being Good Neighbors and Citizens Being good neighbors and citizens implies being responsible and considerate global community members. It entails recognizing that our actions have an impact beyond our own borders and taking that into account when making decisions. In the context of the material, being a good neighbor and citizen involves not only understanding the world but also acknowledging the influence we have on it. It highlights the importance of being aware of how our choices and policies can affect other countries and people around the world. C. Exporting Food Environment and Norms Exporting food environment and norms refers to the idea that foodrelated practices, behaviors, and standards are not limited to individual countries or regions. They can be exported and have an impact on a global scale. This includes the physical export of food products and the dissemination of cultural norms, dietary patterns, and economic models related to food. The material suggests that the United States, for example, exports not only food but also its food-related values and practices, which can influence other countries and affect the global food landscape.  Factors Affecting Food Prices and Supply The material discusses various factors that affect food prices and supply. It highlights the impact of factors such as the export of corn for ethanol conversion, high energy prices, and agriculture subsidies. A. Export Of Corn for Ethanol Conversion The export of corn for ethanol conversion refers to the practice of using corn as a raw material for producing ethanol fuel. This practice has had significant implications for the global food market. The material suggests that the United States has implemented policies promoting the conversion of corn into ethanol, which has led to a substantial increase in the price of corn. As a result, the world supply of corn available for consumption as food has decreased, contributing to higher global food prices. B. High Energy Prices High energy prices are mentioned as one of the factors involved in the spike in food prices globally. The material does not provide detailed information about the causes of high energy prices in this context. However, it suggests that the cost of energy plays a role in influencing food prices, as energy is an essential input in agricultural production, transportation, and food processing. Fluctuations in energy prices can impact the overall cost of producing and distributing food, thereby affecting food prices. C. Agriculture Subsidies (EU And Others) The material mentions agriculture subsidies, particularly those provided by the European Union (EU) and other countries. Agriculture subsidies are financial incentives or support programs provided to farmers to promote agricultural production, stabilize markets, or support rural development. These subsidies can have an impact on global food prices and costs. For example, subsidies in the EU can affect the politics of subsidies in other countries, which, in turn, influences the costs of food and what consumers pay for them in the market. D. Influence On World Prices and Food Costs The aforementioned factors, such as the export of corn for ethanol conversion, high energy prices, and agriculture subsidies, collectively exert influence on world prices and food costs. These factors contribute to fluctuations in global food prices, which can have significant consequences for various countries and populations. The material emphasizes the importance of understanding these influences and their interconnectedness to comprehend the drivers of diet and the overall food environment on a global scale.  Changing Global Diet Patterns A. World's Diet Resembles the American Diet This statement indicates that the dietary patterns around the world are increasingly resembling the American diet. The material suggests that there is a global trend toward adopting similar eating habits and food choices as those commonly found in the United States. This shift in dietary patterns can have implications for health and nutrition worldwide. B. Rising Obesity Rates in China, Norway, Australia, Etc. The material highlights the increasing rates of obesity in various countries, including China, Norway, Australia, and others. Obesity is a condition characterized by excessive body fat accumulation, often resulting from an imbalance between energy intake (diet) and energy expenditure (physical activity). The rising obesity rates in these countries suggest a growing public health concern related to weight management and associated health risks. C. Shift From Undernutrition to Overnutrition This phrase describes a shift in the global nutrition landscape from undernutrition, which refers to insufficient food intake and malnutrition, to overnutrition. Overnutrition is characterized by excessive consumption of calories, often leading to overweight and obesity. The material suggests that as the world's diet changes and resembles the American diet, overnutrition becomes a significant concern, surpassing undernutrition as a major nutritional challenge. D. Impact Of Lifestyle Factors (Diet, Inactivity, Obesity) Lifestyle factors, including diet, physical inactivity, and obesity, are identified as influential factors contributing to health outcomes. The material suggests that these lifestyle factors play a role in the onset and prevalence of conditions such as Type II Diabetes, particularly in children and adolescents. Poor diet, sedentary behaviors, and obesity are mentioned as contributing factors to the alarming increase in diabetes cases, emphasizing the importance of addressing these lifestyle factors for better health outcomes.  Escalating Diabetes Rates A. Types Of Diabetes (Type I And Type II) The material discusses two types of diabetes: Type I and Type II. Type I Diabetes is described as a genetic abnormality that usually appears in childhood or adolescence, requiring individuals to be dependent on insulin. On the other hand, Type II Diabetes typically develops in adulthood, although it is increasingly being diagnosed in younger age groups as well. Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity are associated with the onset of Type II Diabetes. B. Lifestyle Factors Contributing to Type II Diabetes The material suggests that lifestyle factors play a significant role in the development of Type II Diabetes. Poor diet, characterized by unhealthy food choices and excessive calorie intake, is identified as a contributing factor. Additionally, physical inactivity, or a lack of regular exercise, is mentioned as another lifestyle factor that increases the risk of Type II Diabetes. Obesity, resulting from a combination of poor diet and physical inactivity, is also highlighted as a significant contributor to the development of Type II Diabetes. C. Increasing Prevalence in Children and Adolescents The material points out a concerning trend of the increasing prevalence of Type II Diabetes in children and adolescents. Traditionally considered an adult-onset condition, the rising rates of obesity and unhealthy lifestyle habits among younger age groups have led to an earlier onset of Type II Diabetes. This shift highlights the importance of addressing and managing lifestyle factors from an early age to prevent the development of this chronic disease in children and adolescents. D. Potential Health Consequences (Coronary Bypass Surgery, Blindness) The material emphasizes the potential health consequences associated with Type II Diabetes. It mentions that some individuals diagnosed with Type II Diabetes, particularly those who develop the condition at a young age, may require coronary bypass surgery in their twenties due to cardiovascular complications. Additionally, the material highlights the risk of blindness, stating that some individuals with Type II Diabetes may experience vision loss and blindness by the time they reach their thirties. These examples underscore the serious and potentially life-altering effects of uncontrolled Type II Diabetes on an individual's health.  Anticipated Increase in Diabetes A. Projection Of Diabetes Increase in The U.S. It suggests that the prevalence of diabetes is expected to rise by approximately 37% over the next twenty-five years. This projection is considered alarming due to the already high rates of diabetes in the country. The projected increase highlights the need for attention and action to address the growing diabetes epidemic. B. Alarming Rates In China And India Although there may be denominator issues due to the larger population size of these countries, the number of people projected to develop diabetes in the next twenty-five years is still considered significant. This indicates the urgent need to address the rising prevalence of diabetes in these populous nations to mitigate the health and economic consequences associated with the disease. C. Global Impact on Economies, Politics, And Power Balance The increasing prevalence of diabetes worldwide is expected to have significant consequences on global economies. The costs of healthcare and disease management, as well as the potential loss of productivity, can strain healthcare systems and have broader economic implications. Furthermore, the material suggests that the diabetes epidemic can influence world politics and the balance of power among nations. Understanding and addressing the global impact of diabetes is essential for effectively managing its consequences on a wider scale.  Influence of American Corporations A. Global Reach and Power Of American Companies It mentions the significant influence that American companies, such as fast-food chains, have worldwide. This indicates that these companies have established a strong presence in various countries, showcasing their global reach and power. B. Fast Food Industry Growth Outside the U.S. It suggests that the fast-food industry is experiencing significant expansion and development in countries beyond its country of origin. This growth indicates a shift in global food preferences and consumption patterns towards fast food, reflecting the influence of Western eating habits and the globalization of food culture. C. Similarities To the Tobacco Industry's Globalization It suggests that similar to how tobacco companies expanded overseas markets, American food companies are also capitalizing on global markets, particularly in developing countries. This comparison highlights the potential concerns surrounding the global expansion of the fast-food industry and its impact on public health and nutrition worldwide. D. Smoking Rates and Obesity Rates Rising In Various Countries It points out that, like the tobacco industry, the rates of obesity, driven by poor diet and lifestyle factors, are increasing in countries such as China, Norway, Australia, and others. This observation suggests a parallel between the patterns of tobacco consumption and the prevalence of obesity, emphasizing the need for comprehensive approaches to address these health challenges on a global scale.  Challenges and Actions A. Time For Preventive Action on Poor Diet and Obesity It emphasizes the need to address these issues proactively rather than waiting for catastrophic consequences to arise. The material highlights the importance of promoting healthy eating habits and combating obesity through early intervention and education. B. Historical Comparison with Tobacco Industry It highlights the lessons learned from the tobacco industry's impact on public health and the subsequent actions taken to address smokingrelated issues. By making this comparison, the material suggests that similar preventive measures and regulations may be necessary to tackle the challenges posed by poor diet and obesity. C. Urgency In Addressing the Global Epidemic of Poor Diet It underscores the increasing rates of obesity and related health issues worldwide, highlighting the need for immediate action. The material indicates that poor diet has become a global problem affecting economies, politics, and public health, underscoring the necessity of comprehensive and timely interventions. D. Considerations For Becoming Considerate World Citizens It suggests that understanding the global dynamics of food production, consumption, and its impact on health and economies is crucial. By being aware of these factors, individuals can make informed choices and take actions that contribute to healthier food environments, both locally and globally, promoting better health outcomes for themselves and others.