Menu
09/01/2006
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.
More than half of the 4,000 people surveyed were overweight or obese, the charity said, but 87% and 32% of overweight people failed to identify their correct weight category.
The study also found that 71% of respondents were unaware of the risk of cancer, which is increased for those who are obese or overweight.
Nearly half of those surveyed did not believe that eating healthily could help reduce cancer risk, while almost two thirds were unaware that regular exercise could also reduce risk.
More than 80% also did not know the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight, while almost the same percentage failed to recognise the importance of moderation when drinking alcohol to reduce cancer risk.
Being obese or overweight is one of the most significant preventable causes of cancer in non-smokers yet rates of obesity are increasing.
Obesity is linked with an increased risk of bowel, kidney, oesophageal and stomach cancers, as well as a cancer of the womb and breast cancer in post-menopausal women.
Cancer Research UK, in connection with Weight Concern, has issued a set of weight management tips. These include:
"Obesity is one of the biggest known preventable causes of cancer for those who don't smoke. These results show far too many of those at greatest risk are choosing to ignore their weight. They are unaware of their increased risk of cancer and unaware of many of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle."
Caroline Swain, Executive Director of Weight Concern said: "The survey findings highlight a widespread lack of concern about obesity. Education and support are a vital component in tackling the alarming rise in obesity in this country."
(KMcA)
The study, conducted by Cancer Research UK, also suggested that many more were unaware of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
More than half of the 4,000 people surveyed were overweight or obese, the charity said, but 87% and 32% of overweight people failed to identify their correct weight category.
The study also found that 71% of respondents were unaware of the risk of cancer, which is increased for those who are obese or overweight.
Nearly half of those surveyed did not believe that eating healthily could help reduce cancer risk, while almost two thirds were unaware that regular exercise could also reduce risk.
More than 80% also did not know the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight, while almost the same percentage failed to recognise the importance of moderation when drinking alcohol to reduce cancer risk.
Being obese or overweight is one of the most significant preventable causes of cancer in non-smokers yet rates of obesity are increasing.
Obesity is linked with an increased risk of bowel, kidney, oesophageal and stomach cancers, as well as a cancer of the womb and breast cancer in post-menopausal women.
Cancer Research UK, in connection with Weight Concern, has issued a set of weight management tips. These include:
- Keep to your meal routine
- Choose reduced fat versions of foods
- Walk 10,000 steps - equivalent to 60 - 90 minutes of moderate activity - each day
- Pack a healthy snack
- Check fat and sugar contents on food labels
- Be cautious with portions
- Break up sitting time - stand up for ten minutes out of every hour
- Drink water and sugar-free squashes and be aware of the amount of sugar in unsweetened fruit juice and calories in alcohol
- Do not eat food quickly. Eat at a table, where possible, instead of on the go or in front of the TV
- Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day
"Obesity is one of the biggest known preventable causes of cancer for those who don't smoke. These results show far too many of those at greatest risk are choosing to ignore their weight. They are unaware of their increased risk of cancer and unaware of many of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle."
Caroline Swain, Executive Director of Weight Concern said: "The survey findings highlight a widespread lack of concern about obesity. Education and support are a vital component in tackling the alarming rise in obesity in this country."
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 March 2006
Vegetarian diet 'keeps weight low'
Meat-eaters who switch to vegetarianism gain less weight than people who make no changes to their diet, a new study has suggested. Scientists from Cancer Research UK studied the eating habits of 22,000 meat eaters, fish eaters, vegetarians and vegans of all ages over five years and compared weight gains in all the categories.
Vegetarian diet 'keeps weight low'
Meat-eaters who switch to vegetarianism gain less weight than people who make no changes to their diet, a new study has suggested. Scientists from Cancer Research UK studied the eating habits of 22,000 meat eaters, fish eaters, vegetarians and vegans of all ages over five years and compared weight gains in all the categories.
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.
05 April 2004
Obese Britons unaware of cancer risk: survey
Britons risk dying prematurely from cancer because they are unaware that being overweight increases their chance of developing the disease, the campaign group Cancer Research UK has claimed today.
Obese Britons unaware of cancer risk: survey
Britons risk dying prematurely from cancer because they are unaware that being overweight increases their chance of developing the disease, the campaign group Cancer Research UK has claimed today.
28 July 2010
Pregnant Women's Obesity Levels Rising
The health of babies is being put at risk because obesity levels among pregnant women have reached 'epidemic' levels, health experts are warning.
Pregnant Women's Obesity Levels Rising
The health of babies is being put at risk because obesity levels among pregnant women have reached 'epidemic' levels, health experts are warning.
22 August 2003
Charity highlights link between obesity and breast cancer
Postmenopausal women who avoid becoming obese are reducing their risk of breast cancer, according to a new study by Cancer Research UK scientists.
Charity highlights link between obesity and breast cancer
Postmenopausal women who avoid becoming obese are reducing their risk of breast cancer, according to a new study by Cancer Research UK scientists.
-
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.
