Futures thinking about obesity
In this activity, students use the Futures thinking tool to investigate obesity and the impact it has on the health system.
Obesity health problem
Obesity cartoon showing health problems associated with obesity such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, sleeping disorders and several types of cancer.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
define the term ‘obesity’
explain how body mass index (BMI) can be used to evaluate a person’s body weight and associated risk of disease
describe some of the medical conditions that are more prevalent in people who are obese
discuss possible future measures to control obesity in the population having used the Futures thinking tool.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
introduction/background notes
what you need
what to do
student worksheets.
Related content
This article looks at is Obesity: genetic or environmental?
Read this article to find out more about how scientists identify particular gene variations that might increase a person’s susceptibility to a particular disease.
Discover a new approach to obesity treatment – designing foods that influence the body’s control mechanisms on appetite and energy intake.
Activity idea
In Obesity risk factors students participate in a simulation that demonstrates that both genetic make-up and environmental factors influence an individual’s likelihood of becoming obese.
Useful link
Visit the Ministry of Health website to learn more about obesity in New Zealand.
