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Reversing the tide of obesity won’t be easy, but it can be done Reversing the tide of obesity won’t be easy, but it can be done
(about 20 hours later)
George Monbiot’s comment piece (12 August) declared obesity to be an incurable condition. He is right to flag obesity as a major health problem that afflicts a quarter of the adult population, but we are concerned by the implication that obesity locks people into a condition that leaves them unable to improve their health by making healthy changes.George Monbiot’s comment piece (12 August) declared obesity to be an incurable condition. He is right to flag obesity as a major health problem that afflicts a quarter of the adult population, but we are concerned by the implication that obesity locks people into a condition that leaves them unable to improve their health by making healthy changes.
Through the NHS diabetes prevention programme, being developed by NHS England and Public Health England with our support, we have clear evidence that effective lifestyle interventions can help people to change their diet and physical activity (which includes weight loss as an outcome) and can lead to a delay in developing, or total prevention of, type 2 diabetes. Through the NHS diabetes prevention programme, being developed by NHS England and Public Health England with our support, we have clear evidence that effective lifestyle interventions can help people to change their diet and physical activity (which includes weight loss as an outcome) and can lead to a delay in developing, or total prevention of, type 2 diabetes.
We shouldn’t penalise people who are obese, but giving up on them is not the way forward either.We shouldn’t penalise people who are obese, but giving up on them is not the way forward either.
The government and the food industry can also help to reduce the huge rise in the number of people who are obese and are therefore at increased risk of type 2 diabetes. We want to see a robust approach to the regulation of the food and drink industry, going beyond the current voluntary public health responsibility deal to reduce the burden of obesity. We think manufacturers must look at the content of products to make them healthier. Information should be clearly visible – for example, through front-of-pack food labelling – so people are able to make informed decisions about their eating choices.The government and the food industry can also help to reduce the huge rise in the number of people who are obese and are therefore at increased risk of type 2 diabetes. We want to see a robust approach to the regulation of the food and drink industry, going beyond the current voluntary public health responsibility deal to reduce the burden of obesity. We think manufacturers must look at the content of products to make them healthier. Information should be clearly visible – for example, through front-of-pack food labelling – so people are able to make informed decisions about their eating choices.
Reversing the tide of obesity isn’t going to be easy, but it can be done. We need a concerted effort with stronger government leadership to take active steps to improve health, which includes providing obese and overweight people with the support they need to make and sustain the necessary lifestyle changes so they can live long and healthy lives.Barbara YoungChief executive, Diabetes UK Reversing the tide of obesity isn’t going to be easy, but it can be done. We need a concerted effort with stronger government leadership to take active steps to improve health, which includes providing obese and overweight people with the support they need to make and sustain the necessary lifestyle changes so they can live long and healthy lives.Barbara YoungChief executive, Diabetes UK
We shouldn’t penalise people who are obese, but giving up on them is not the way forward eitherWe shouldn’t penalise people who are obese, but giving up on them is not the way forward either
• We agree with George Monbiot – we must transform our obesogenic environments into health-promoting ones. In the past there has been too much focus on individuals. An approach to health that focuses only on individuals rather than the external forces that influence an individual person may result in victim-blaming and be ineffective. Key settings, including workplaces, hospitals and schools, need to change so that they are better atdo better at promoting health. • We agree with George Monbiot – we must transform our obesogenic environments into health-promoting ones. In the past there has been too much focus on individuals. An approach to health that focuses only on individuals rather than the external forces that influence an individual person may result in victim-blaming and be ineffective. Key settings, including workplaces, hospitals and schools need to change so that they are more health promoting.
In schools, for example, far more could be accomplished: teachers, catering staff and school nurses are just some who could promote heathy eating. However, they will need external support if they are to do so. A vital first step would be the re-introduction ofto reintroduce the healthy schools initiative. In schools, for example, far more could be accomplished: teachers, catering staff and school nurses are just some who could promote heathy eating. However, they will need external support if they are to do so. A vital first step would be the re-introduction of the Healthy Schools initiative.
Taxes on less healthy foods should be combined with subsidies on healthier foods, such as fruit and vegetables. But we believe that health promoters should not just tinker around with one tool for bringing about changes in behaviour. Obesity has reached epidemic proportions and should be considered one of the most serious public health challenges, as its consequences include cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Government action is urgently needed to ensure this is prioritised.Michael Craig Watson Associate professor of public health, University of NottinghamJohn Lloyd Past president, Institute of Health Promotion and EducationTaxes on less healthy foods should be combined with subsidies on healthier foods, such as fruit and vegetables. But we believe that health promoters should not just tinker around with one tool for bringing about changes in behaviour. Obesity has reached epidemic proportions and should be considered one of the most serious public health challenges, as its consequences include cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Government action is urgently needed to ensure this is prioritised.Michael Craig Watson Associate professor of public health, University of NottinghamJohn Lloyd Past president, Institute of Health Promotion and Education