Are we tackling the obesity epidemic?
The UK has the worst obesity rates in Europe. In England, two-thirds of adults are above a healthy weight and half of these are obese. But what defines a person as being obese? The dictionary definition of obesity is ‘being very overweight, with a lot of body fat’. Arguably, that doesn’t answer our question. Body mass index (BMI) is commonly known as an indicator of weight. A value is produced based on height, weight, age, ethnicity and gender which dictates whether one if of a healthy weight or not. It cannot, however, differentiate between excess fat, muscle or bone; muscular athletes can be classed as obese or overweight using this system. Waist size is a more accurate indicator of excess fat and can define obesity with values. Women with a waist >80cm and men with a waist >94cm are classed as obese.
The prevalence of obesity is associated with many socio-economic factors (income, access to space, advertising and selling unhealthy food) and is hugely impacted by deprivation. There is a shocking difference in obesity rates in the UK between the most and least deprived areas; 36% compared to 20%. For people to follow the governments Eatwell guidelines it would cost an individual three times their current average spends per week on food! No wonder those living in deprived areas of the UK struggle to maintain a healthy weight. During the COVID-19 pandemic, however, obesity rates rose in every deprivation decile. It proved that wealth doesn’t buy health. The COVID measures introduced by the government had a negative impact on the entire country’s lifestyle. Physical activity outside was limited to an hour and 56% reported they snacked more.
Obesity has direct impacts on the individual. It increases health risks such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, strokes, cancers, fatty liver disease and reduces life expectancy. Obesity also impacts the wider community. Lower productivity has been linked to higher obesity rates – sore joints caused by the disease leave people unable to work. The loss of productivity is estimated to cost the UK economy £27 billion a year. The cost to the NHS attributable to obesity and overweight is £6 billion a year, projected to reach £9.7 billion by 2050. The impact weighing down on the NHS cannot be ignored.
What can be done?
Back in 2004, researchers stated the government needed to implement radical changes to regulate food consumption and control the food industry, similarly to the tobacco industry. They suggested bans on junk food advertising and certain foods to be taxed or their availability to be reduced. Now in 2023, the government have pushed back plans to ban junk food advertising before the 9pm watershed and banning ‘buy one get one free’ offers on food high in fat, sugar and salt. In 19 years, no progress has been made – the government have not taken any responsibility in combatting the epidemic.
Individuals must also be encouraged to take more personal responsibility. There is only so much blame to be passed onto the government. Schemes such as Better Health by the NHS are available to aid people with losing weight, getting active and drinking less. These tools are only effective if they are utilised by individuals. They must action the education about making healthier life choices - portion control, making healthy food cheaply and increasing physical activity.
Tackling obesity isn’t as simple as eat less and exercise more. Counting calories may provide short-term results, but the long-term battle won’t be won this way. People need educating on the nutritional value of food – how to supplement and add to their diet not how to restrict their diet. How foods are metabolised and the consequent reaction of the body.
As a nation, our mindset towards obesity, dieting and weight loss needs shifting. But we need help which the government can provide. If they were to implement their proposed policies, it would kick start the combat of this epidemic.
