Obesity in the UK

Thursday, 24 Jul 2008 11:28

Obesity in the UK

Thursday, 24, Jul 2008 12:00

The UK is getting fat. Two thirds of all adults and one-third of children are overweight or obese. In 15 years, it's estimated that 86 per cent of men will be overweight.

The government published its anti-obesity strategy last February, but Alan Johnson, health secretary, is using a speech tonight to call for national "movement" to do something about the problem.

At a meeting of centre-left thinktank the Fabian Society tonight, Mr Johnson will outline his plans to tackle what he calls a lifestyle disease.

But there are some people who think the role of government in these matters should be limited and that Britain is becoming a 'nanny state'.

Hendell: McDonalds is doing its bit

Britain's getting bigger and not in a good way

O'Brien: Bad choices contribute to weight gain

Lamb: Govt has not supported obesity prevention

Johnson: State cannot micromanage peoples' lives

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Lobbying
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Opinion Formers

Royal College of Midwives

The Royal College of Midwives is the professional association and trade union representing 95 per cent of all the UK’s practising midwives.

Health

One year after the country took a dark turn into state control and an unpleasant, puerile attitude to other people's business. Or is it one year into a brave new world where the country became fitter, healthier and more civilised?