Why you and your family might be over weight

For many years, obesity was considered an 'American' problem, and - to a certain extent - it was. But not any more. A Select Committee HealthReport produced by the UK Parliament has made it perfectly clear that obesity is a new epidemic sweeping the globe and is even affecting countries previously linked to malnutrition.

In Great Britain, where obesity figures have grown by almost 400% in the last 25 years, a staggering two-thirds of the population are believed to be overweight or obese. Of particular concern is the increasing incidence of childhood obesity as,according to the Report, ìmost overweight or obese children become overweight or obese adultsî. But why, exactly, have so many Britons become overweight in recent decades?

In some respects, the answer to this question is relatively straightforward: their energy (calorie) inputconsistently exceeds their energy output. They are simply eating too much and doing too little.

• Many of today's convenience foods are calorie dens e.g .they contain a high number of calories for their weight.
• People have more disposable income to spend on food (especially takeaways and dining out, where the consumer has less control over the ingredients and portion sizes).
• Eating a healthy diet can cost considerably more than a less healthy diet for those on a limited food budget.
• The consumption of alcohol (which can be highly calorific) has dramatically increased in recent years.
• A large number of jobs require little (if any) manual exercise, many children and adults now live too far from school or work to cycle or walk, town planning has increasingly prioritised the needs of motorists above those of pedestrians and cyclists.
• A growing number of British people now lack the basic skills and confidence to prepare and cook healthy meals. Food technology in schools has recently focussed on manufacturing and processing food rather than practical cooking skills.
• Many schools and offices have installed vending machines selling fizzy drinks and
  confectionery in order to boost their budget.
• A number of less healthy food options are marketed towards children who have more pocket money to spend than before, and give rise to 'pester power'.
• Some parents/carers no longer consider it safe for children to play outside without adult supervision, and so they play indoor games or watch television instead.

Conditions linked to being overweight

Greatly increased risk: Type 2 diabetes, gallbladder disease, insulin resistance, breathlessness, sleep apnoea

Moderately increased risk: Coronary heart disease, hyper-tension, osteoarthritis, gout

Slightly increased risk: Cancer (breast cancer in post-menopausal women, endometrial cancer, colon cancer), reproductive hormone abnormalities, polycystic ovary syndrome, impaired fertility, low back pain, anaesthetic risk, fetal defects associated with maternal obesity.

So how can we fight against obesity?

There are a wide number of treatments that can help to break down and disperse body fat, relieve back pain, improve circulation and basically alleviate a myriad of other symptoms linked to being overweight.

However, such treatments will be of little benefit if the person ignores the importance of a balanced diet, regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle.