Menu
27/03/2014
Being Overweight Is Becoming Normal - Report
Being overweight is becoming normal as the majority of our adult population is overweight or obese, according to Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies.
This is according to her latest annual report on the state of the public’s health.
Her concern is based on data showing that – taking into account average height and weight – the average man and woman in England is overweight. This brings with it an increased risk of diabetes, strokes and other health problems. The report highlights studies that show some people who are overweight believe they are ‘about the right weight’.
The Chief Medical Officer's Surveillance report is the first of two volumes of her annual report and is a compendium of data covering a number of public health areas.
Professor Dame Sally Davies said: "I have long been concerned that being underweight is often portrayed as the ideal weight, particularly in the fashion industry.
"Yet I am increasingly concerned that society may be normalising being overweight.
"Larger mannequins are being introduced into clothes shops, 'size inflation' means that clothes with the same size label have become larger in recent decades, and news stories about weight often feature pictures of severely obese people, which are unrepresentative of the majority of overweight people."
The report also reaffirms the CMO’s previous views on added sugar in drinks and alcohol minimum pricing. The report highlights the fact that in children aged 11-18, almost a third of the added sugar in their average diet comes from soft drinks. The CMO calls on manufacturers to reformulate and resize products to use less sugar where possible. She also says that if voluntary efforts fail, then we may need to consider the benefits of regulation such as a 'sugar tax'.
(CVS/CD)
This is according to her latest annual report on the state of the public’s health.
Her concern is based on data showing that – taking into account average height and weight – the average man and woman in England is overweight. This brings with it an increased risk of diabetes, strokes and other health problems. The report highlights studies that show some people who are overweight believe they are ‘about the right weight’.
The Chief Medical Officer's Surveillance report is the first of two volumes of her annual report and is a compendium of data covering a number of public health areas.
Professor Dame Sally Davies said: "I have long been concerned that being underweight is often portrayed as the ideal weight, particularly in the fashion industry.
"Yet I am increasingly concerned that society may be normalising being overweight.
"Larger mannequins are being introduced into clothes shops, 'size inflation' means that clothes with the same size label have become larger in recent decades, and news stories about weight often feature pictures of severely obese people, which are unrepresentative of the majority of overweight people."
The report also reaffirms the CMO’s previous views on added sugar in drinks and alcohol minimum pricing. The report highlights the fact that in children aged 11-18, almost a third of the added sugar in their average diet comes from soft drinks. The CMO calls on manufacturers to reformulate and resize products to use less sugar where possible. She also says that if voluntary efforts fail, then we may need to consider the benefits of regulation such as a 'sugar tax'.
(CVS/CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 July 2010
Preterm Births 'More Common' Among Obese
Overweight and obese women are at greater risk of giving birth to a preterm baby, compared with normal weight women, a study published on bmj.com has revealed.
Preterm Births 'More Common' Among Obese
Overweight and obese women are at greater risk of giving birth to a preterm baby, compared with normal weight women, a study published on bmj.com has revealed.
11 February 2004
Immediate action needed to reverse obesity, say doctors
If Britain is to reduce the health problems for millions of obese Britons, "immediate and concerted action" is needed, an association of leading medical groups has said.
Immediate action needed to reverse obesity, say doctors
If Britain is to reduce the health problems for millions of obese Britons, "immediate and concerted action" is needed, an association of leading medical groups has said.
22 May 2015
Tesco To Reduce Sugar Content In Soft Drinks
Tesco has become the first major retailer to commit to a major sugar reduction programme, the campaign group Action on Sugar has announced. It is understood the supermarket chain will reduce the amount of sugar in its own-label soft drinks by 5% year-on-year.
Tesco To Reduce Sugar Content In Soft Drinks
Tesco has become the first major retailer to commit to a major sugar reduction programme, the campaign group Action on Sugar has announced. It is understood the supermarket chain will reduce the amount of sugar in its own-label soft drinks by 5% year-on-year.
09 January 2006
Obese people 'unaware' of health risks
More than a quarter of obese and overweight people do not want to lose weight, a new survey has claimed. The study, conducted by Cancer Research UK, also suggested that many more were unaware of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
Obese people 'unaware' of health risks
More than a quarter of obese and overweight people do not want to lose weight, a new survey has claimed. The study, conducted by Cancer Research UK, also suggested that many more were unaware of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
25 June 2008
Controversial Weight Loss Drug Available For NHS Use
Despite fears of an increased risk of depression and possible suicide as a 'side-effect', a controversial anti-obesity drug has been made available for NHS use.
Controversial Weight Loss Drug Available For NHS Use
Despite fears of an increased risk of depression and possible suicide as a 'side-effect', a controversial anti-obesity drug has been made available for NHS use.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
