Obesity timebomb warning
Wednesday, 17 Oct 2007 10:15
Individuals and government must tackle obesity, Foresight report says
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Modern lifestyles are causing obesity to be rife in the UK, a two-year study has concluded.
The Foresight report says being overweight is becoming normalised and estimates that if current levels continue by 2050 about a quarter of children, 60 per cent of men and 50 per cent of women will be obese.
Scientists, government ministers and health experts were involved in the study, which claims illnesses associated with being dangerously overweight are projected to cost society £45.5 billion a year.
Reversing this trend will take several decades, the report says, and will need the involvement of the government, individuals, communities and organisations.
Foresight says there are currently no such concerted efforts which adequately address the problem.
To reduce obesity the report calls for people to use active strategies on a daily basis to keep their weight down and for the government to develop strategies to establish child growth, healthy eating and early activity habits.
Public health minister Dawn Primarolo said the report, which the Department of Health sponsored, will "form an integral part" of its efforts to tackle obesity.
She said a new long-term anti-obesity drive is being planned and pledged leadership from the government.
"There is no single solution to tackle obesity and it cannot be tackled by government action alone," Ms Primarolo added.
"We will only succeed if the problem is recognised, owned and addressed at every level and every part of society."
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) pledged to play its part in encouraging healthier lifestyles.
"As the Foresight report concludes, there is no silver bullet that can be fired at the complex issue of obesity," said FDF director of communications Julian Hunt.
"However, we all have a responsibility in tackling this problem, and the food and drink industry has long been committed to playing a positive role in improving the health of the nation."
Ian Gilmore, president of the Royal College of Physicians, commented: "The emphasis on cross-governmental initiatives is particularly welcome, as is the importance of addressing issues across society while avoiding blame.
"As the Royal College of Physicians is responsible for standards in postgraduate education and training of physicians, we acknowledge the need to train health professionals to tackle this growing problem, and are delighted to work with the government on this issue."