Menu
11/02/2004
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.
According to the report, ‘Storing Up Problems: The medical case for a slimmer nation', produced jointly by the Royal College of Physicians, the Faculty of Public Health, and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, action is needed "at every possible level" – national, local, community and as individuals, together with an understanding of the social and cultural factors that are behind the progressive increase in overweight and obesity.
The report states that initiatives should be "long-term and sustainable", with the emphasis on environment, empowerment and encouragement – dropping the blame culture, engaging the whole community and assisting all groups to take action according to their own opportunities and responsibilities, including health professionals themselves.
In 2002, more than half of the UK population was either overweight or obese, with 70% of men, and 63% of women medically overweight. The National Audit Office has estimated that overweight and obesity costs the NHS at least £0.5 billion a year, and £2 billion to the wider economy.
Obesity in 2 to 4-year-old children almost doubled from 5%-9% from 1989-1998, and in 6 to 15-year-olds trebled from 5-16% between 1990-2001. Overweight young people have a 50% chance of being overweight adults, and children of overweight parents have twice the risk of being overweight compared to those with healthy weight parents, the report found.
It also claims that if current trends continue, "conservative estimates" are that at least one-third of adults, one-fifth of boys and one-third of girls will be obese by 2020.
Being overweight restricts body activity, damages health and shortens life; and it harms self-esteem and social life. Heart disease, stroke, joint problems and the commonest form of diabetes are direct effects of obesity and overweight. People of every age, every region and from all population groups are affected, and the report's recommendations apply to all age groups from childhood to old age, and specifically include people at high risk.
Professor Sian Griffiths, President of the Faculty of Public Health, said: "The UK has the lowest physical activity for school children in Europe , and the problem is worst in the most vulnerable groups - who are also the most socially deprived. The solution requires partnerships at all levels - across government, who can regulate and create health policies, within communities where engagement in healthier environments (such as schools, workplaces) can encourage individuals in making healthier choices.
"Obesity is a serious threat to our well-being and we need to get the health balance right, not only through taking individual responsibility but through measures which make it easier to make healthier choices about how we live.”
Professor Alan Craft, President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, added: “Obesity is a major issue for children as well as adults. We must find ways of tackling it in childhood if we are to prevent the major complications in adult life. Prevention is everyone's business.”
(gmcg)
According to the report, ‘Storing Up Problems: The medical case for a slimmer nation', produced jointly by the Royal College of Physicians, the Faculty of Public Health, and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, action is needed "at every possible level" – national, local, community and as individuals, together with an understanding of the social and cultural factors that are behind the progressive increase in overweight and obesity.
The report states that initiatives should be "long-term and sustainable", with the emphasis on environment, empowerment and encouragement – dropping the blame culture, engaging the whole community and assisting all groups to take action according to their own opportunities and responsibilities, including health professionals themselves.
In 2002, more than half of the UK population was either overweight or obese, with 70% of men, and 63% of women medically overweight. The National Audit Office has estimated that overweight and obesity costs the NHS at least £0.5 billion a year, and £2 billion to the wider economy.
Obesity in 2 to 4-year-old children almost doubled from 5%-9% from 1989-1998, and in 6 to 15-year-olds trebled from 5-16% between 1990-2001. Overweight young people have a 50% chance of being overweight adults, and children of overweight parents have twice the risk of being overweight compared to those with healthy weight parents, the report found.
It also claims that if current trends continue, "conservative estimates" are that at least one-third of adults, one-fifth of boys and one-third of girls will be obese by 2020.
Being overweight restricts body activity, damages health and shortens life; and it harms self-esteem and social life. Heart disease, stroke, joint problems and the commonest form of diabetes are direct effects of obesity and overweight. People of every age, every region and from all population groups are affected, and the report's recommendations apply to all age groups from childhood to old age, and specifically include people at high risk.
Professor Sian Griffiths, President of the Faculty of Public Health, said: "The UK has the lowest physical activity for school children in Europe , and the problem is worst in the most vulnerable groups - who are also the most socially deprived. The solution requires partnerships at all levels - across government, who can regulate and create health policies, within communities where engagement in healthier environments (such as schools, workplaces) can encourage individuals in making healthier choices.
"Obesity is a serious threat to our well-being and we need to get the health balance right, not only through taking individual responsibility but through measures which make it easier to make healthier choices about how we live.”
Professor Alan Craft, President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, added: “Obesity is a major issue for children as well as adults. We must find ways of tackling it in childhood if we are to prevent the major complications in adult life. Prevention is everyone's business.”
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 May 2006
Health staff encouraged to help patients lose weight
The government has unveiled a number of new practical tools for GPs and other health professionals to help patients lose weight and improve their health. For the first time, GPs and other healthcare workers are being given specific tools to help identify and treat children, young people and adults who are overweight or obese.
Health staff encouraged to help patients lose weight
The government has unveiled a number of new practical tools for GPs and other health professionals to help patients lose weight and improve their health. For the first time, GPs and other healthcare workers are being given specific tools to help identify and treat children, young people and adults who are overweight or obese.
29 April 2005
Figures reveal increasing childhood obesity worry
The latest batch of figures published by the Department of Health have revealed that the prevalence of obesity among children is rising. In those aged between two and ten obesity has risen from 9.9% in 1995 to 13.7% in 2003, but children aged between eight and ten showed the biggest increase, with a rise from 11.2% to 16.5% over the same period.
Figures reveal increasing childhood obesity worry
The latest batch of figures published by the Department of Health have revealed that the prevalence of obesity among children is rising. In those aged between two and ten obesity has risen from 9.9% in 1995 to 13.7% in 2003, but children aged between eight and ten showed the biggest increase, with a rise from 11.2% to 16.5% over the same period.
04 September 2008
Obesity Plan Presented
Leading Scottish medical professionals have put forward a five point plan to tackle the growing problem of obesity. In advance of a debate on obesity in the Scottish Parliament today, BMA Scotland has called on politicians to take action on childhood obesity.
Obesity Plan Presented
Leading Scottish medical professionals have put forward a five point plan to tackle the growing problem of obesity. In advance of a debate on obesity in the Scottish Parliament today, BMA Scotland has called on politicians to take action on childhood obesity.
27 May 2004
'Devastating threat' of obesity must be tackled, says report
With three-quarters of the UK's adult population now overweight or obese, a comprehensive raft of measures are needed to combat the "devastating threat" to the nation’s health posed by obesity, the Commons health committee has said.
'Devastating threat' of obesity must be tackled, says report
With three-quarters of the UK's adult population now overweight or obese, a comprehensive raft of measures are needed to combat the "devastating threat" to the nation’s health posed by obesity, the Commons health committee has said.
08 October 2003
Parents must help in reducing child obesity, says report
Parents are being enlisted as the first line of defence against obesity in children after a report today revealed that nearly 10% of Britain's six-year-olds are overweight.
Parents must help in reducing child obesity, says report
Parents are being enlisted as the first line of defence against obesity in children after a report today revealed that nearly 10% of Britain's six-year-olds are overweight.
-
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.
