Report Says UK Obesity Crisis Was Underestimated

A recent report issued by the U.K.’s National Obesity Forum suggests that a
2007 prediction that 50 percent of the British population would be obese by
2050 significantly underestimated the scale of the country’s obesity crisis.
Titled “State of the Nation’s Waistline,” the report notes that “it is entirely
reasonable to conclude that the determinations of the 2007 [report], while
shocking at the time, may now underestimate the scale of the problem.”

Noting that health professionals could do more, such as intervening earlier,
initiating discussion with patients on obesity and weight management
issues, routinely measuring children’s height and weight and adults’ waist
circumferences, and encouraging citizens to take a more proactive approach
regarding their own health, Forum Chair David Haslam says that these actions
go hand in hand with government leadership and ensuring responsible food
and drink manufacturing and retailing. “We need more proactive engagement
by healthcare professionals on weight management, more support and
better signposting to services for people who are already obese, and more
importance placed on what we drink and how it affects our health,” observed
Haslam.

Among other things, the report recommends (i) harder-hitting campaigns,
similar to those for anti-smoking; (ii) better training for primary health care
professionals on obesity and weight management; (iii) government initiatives
that focus on the importance of hydration—often underlooked—in
weight management; (iv) government policies that reduce the amount of
sugar in beverages, reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, and
promote water as the best hydration source; (v) increased focus on strategies
to support individuals who are already obese; and (vi) greater promotion of
physical activity outside educational settings.

Issue 510