Obesity 'equal to terror threat'

[Fop 1]

Obesity 'equal to terror threat'

 

 

Obesity is predicted to continue rising

 

The threat to Britain and the NHS from rising obesity is as grave as that posed by terrorism, a top expert says.

 

Durham University public health expert Professor David Hunter, who also acts as a government adviser, said ministers should be taking "bold action" now.

 

He said this could include compelling manufacturers to improve the salt, fat and sugar content of their products.

 

The Department of Health said it was making progress in disease prevention in a number of areas.

 

Professor Hunter said that governments since the 1970s, including the present Labour government, had "tinkered around the edges" of the rising problem of obesity.

 

The threat to our future health is just as significant as the current security threat

Professor David Hunter

Durham University

 

He said it was possible that the disease it caused could overwhelm the NHS, with some predicting a doubling of the number of people with type II diabetes by 2025.

 

The solution, he said, was a more direct approach, with less public consultation.

 

"They have been talking about it for four decades, but that never seems to be enough," he said.

 

"The government was quick to move for things like ID cards or 42-day detention without trial - now it needs to show similar leadership in public health.

 

"The threat to our future health is just as significant as the current security threat."

 

While many disease prevention initiatives were having some impact, he said, this was on a "piddling" scale.

 

He said that current work between the Food Standards Agency and food manufacturers and suppliers could go further.

 

"Lots of the initiatives are under a voluntary agreement - but it has just come to the point where things like these are simply not working."

 

He said that bigger warning labels, changes in the taxation of "unhealthy" foods, and even the use of compulsory regulations to force manufacturers to cut levels of salt, sugar and fat in their foods could be employed.

 

'Terror by targets'

 

Professor Hunter, who has written a book called "The Health Debate" about the challenges facing the NHS as it hits its 60th anniversary, also criticised targets as a tool for NHS reform, describing it as a "terror-by-targets" culture which damaged staff morale.

 

The recent review by Lord Darzi placed emphasis on the prevention of disease as a priority for the NHS, as did the Public Health White Paper in 2004.

 

A spokesman for the Department of Health pointed to the decision to fluoridate drinking water to improve oral health, and the introduction of smoking bans, as signs that it was serious about this.

 

"Lord Darzi's recent review envisioned an NHS that is as good at preventing ill health as it is at treating the sick," he said.

 

"We are tackling obesity through awareness campaigns and action in schools. Our alcohol and sexual health campaigns encourage responsible drinking and safer sex."

 

A spokesman for the Food Standards Agency said that the voluntary approach currently used with the food industry had been successful.

 

She said: "We set voluntary targets for salt and have seen considerable reductions in a range of food.

 

"Legislation is one option if industry doesn't respond to our voluntary approach, but so far it has proven unnecessary."

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7559420.stm

[Meenzer 15432]

Terrorism can hit any of us. Obesity will only see off the likes of Stevie. I know which odds I prefer.

[Dr Kenneth Noisewater 0]

It's time to fight back, time for a war on cheesecake.

[Ken 119]

A nation of fat fools. Why is it an epidemic that exists only in the UK, US, Canada and Australia??

 

Is it the inferior gene pool???

Edited August 14, 2008 by Ken

[midds 0]

It's time to fight back, time for a war on cheesecake.

 

 

War on tiramisu, shirley?

[Happy Face 29]

High Fructose Corn Syrup.

 

It should be banned.

 

[Happy Face 29]

[Park Life 71]

Kill everyone.

[Guest alex]

Obesity not much of threat then? Good news.

[Fop 1]

[Rob W 0]

"Gordon Brown sends tanks to Dunkin' Donuts shock"

[Guest alex]

Based on the first line man. Never mind

[Tom 14011]

Why don't they subsidize Gym fees and exercise equipment?

[Guest alex]

Why don't they subsidize Gym fees and exercise equipment?

That's bollocks man. People still won't go if they're that way inclined. If you want to lose weight you don't need to join a gym. You just modify your diet, go for a run, do some sit-ups, ride your bike, walk to work, etc. Loads of people sign uptp gyms in January then go about 3 times (if that). Hoying money at the problem in the way you suggest won't do anything.

[Rob W 0]

Aye - send the money to Alex and meand we'll see it's properly looked after

[Fop 1]

Based on the first line man. Never mind

Well it was based on your general posting today.

 

 

 

 

Why don't they subsidize Gym fees and exercise equipment?

That's bollocks man. People still won't go if they're that way inclined. If you want to lose weight you don't need to join a gym. You just modify your diet, go for a run, do some sit-ups, ride your bike, walk to work, etc. Loads of people sign uptp gyms in January then go about 3 times (if that). Hoying money at the problem in the way you suggest won't do anything.

I dunno, they do find that free swimming (for example) increases involvement levels. I suppose knocking VAT of equipment might help a bit.

 

Although it's not going to get the chicken nuggets with pizza and Sky brigade off their couch..... then again it would take heavy lifting gear to even make an attempt.

[The Fish 10779]

Tom, you shouldn't simply reward "good behaviour", there should be genuine disincentives for "bad behaviour".

 

alex is right like, I lost weight by changing my diet and doing exercise because that's the best way to do it. No point offering them free gym membership because if they did go, they wouldn't change anything else in their life.

 

Fatties suck and should be culled.

[Park Life 71]

I thought the Govt liked passive and lazy fatties....Less trouble?

[The Fish 10779]

fuck off Jonny... before you start, just fuck off

[Tooj 17]

fuck off Jonny... before you start, just fuck off

Eh?

[The Fish 10779]

I saw you lurking. I saw you lurking in an obesity thread. I saw you lurking in an obesity thread where I'd posted.... it was only a matter of time with you... it always is.

 

[Tooj 17]

I saw you lurking. I saw you lurking in an obesity thread. I saw you lurking in an obesity thread where I'd posted.... it was only a matter of time with you... it always is.

 

I never fucking make reference to you in that way you cheeky cunt.

 

That's every fucker else apart from me!

[The Fish 10779]

you sure?

 

If so I'm sorry, if not... Fuck you

[Tooj 17]

you sure?

 

If so I'm sorry, if not... Fuck you

I'm positive you dick head.

[LeazesMag 0]

I don't who's the saddest here........over-evaluating the damage of being a fat bastard or totally underestimating the threat of terrorists.

 

What a load of crap.

 

Is this what this buffoon learned at college/university, where the fuck they went.