Obesity is a huge problem currently facing Britain, with a quarter of all adults classified as obese (NHS choices, 2015). Obesity is a serious issue as it spawns a series of physical, social and psychological consequences for the individual affected, and as a result of this various treatment and management options are offered to the sufferer, in addition to existing government policies to address this issue. However despite this, the percentage of the British population classified as obese has tripled in the past 3 decades, so if these measures are not bringing about a significant improvement, then what is the most effective way to tackle obesity (NHS choices, 2015)?
Obesity is universally recognised as being severely overweight, but is more …show more content…
The best way is to consume a healthier, restricted calorie diet (with advice from a health professional) and regular physical activity, to reduce body weight. (NHS choices, 2016). This physical activity should include undertaking 150 to 300 minutes a week of walking, jogging or sports such as swimming. (NHS choices, 2016) Psychological support may also be necessary to change a sufferer’s attitude towards food. (NHS choices, 2016) In some cases, medication known as orlistat may be prescribed to further promote weight loss, as this reduces the amount of fat that is absorbed during digestion. (NHS choices, 2016) In more severe cases, the only solution may be weight loss surgery, although this is rarely recommended. (NHS choices, 2016) There are many initiatives put in place by health organisations in the UK and around the world to tackle the growing problem of obesity. Some of the measures put in place by the UK government include: improved labelling on food and drink and encouraging businesses to give calorie information on their menus (both to promote healthier choices) and increased advice on the necessary amount of physical activity that should be done as part of a healthy lifestyle. (NHS choices, 2015). Food manufacturers and retailers have also agreed to significantly reduce the amounts of sugar, salt and fat in many products, and promote increased consumption of fruit and vegetables in …show more content…
This epidemic has a seriously negative effective on the physical, social and psychological health of sufferers, which is why treatments (such as lifestyle changes, counselling, medication and surgery) and government policies (such as increased guidance, changes to labelling of food and drinks and improvements to nutritional value of popular foods) are so vital in improving the health of Britain. However, the UK still has the highest obesity rate in the whole of Western Europe, so it is clear more effective methods are necessary in tackling the issue (NHS choices, 2015). In my opinion, the best way to combat obesity is to increase education on healthy diet and exercise in primary schools, to tackle the disease in children and prevent them continuing the disease into adulthood. It has been proven that the path to obesity starts in childhood, according to Susan Jebb, professor of diet and population health at the University of Oxford: “" (NHS choices, 2015). Furthermore, in 2011 16% of children between the ages of two and 15 were classed as clinically obese (NHS choices, 2015.) I believe that educating children on the serious detrimental effects obesity has on health and overall quality of life, and the benefits of regular exercise over sedentary living could significantly reduce
Obesity is universally recognised as being severely overweight, but is more …show more content…
The best way is to consume a healthier, restricted calorie diet (with advice from a health professional) and regular physical activity, to reduce body weight. (NHS choices, 2016). This physical activity should include undertaking 150 to 300 minutes a week of walking, jogging or sports such as swimming. (NHS choices, 2016) Psychological support may also be necessary to change a sufferer’s attitude towards food. (NHS choices, 2016) In some cases, medication known as orlistat may be prescribed to further promote weight loss, as this reduces the amount of fat that is absorbed during digestion. (NHS choices, 2016) In more severe cases, the only solution may be weight loss surgery, although this is rarely recommended. (NHS choices, 2016) There are many initiatives put in place by health organisations in the UK and around the world to tackle the growing problem of obesity. Some of the measures put in place by the UK government include: improved labelling on food and drink and encouraging businesses to give calorie information on their menus (both to promote healthier choices) and increased advice on the necessary amount of physical activity that should be done as part of a healthy lifestyle. (NHS choices, 2015). Food manufacturers and retailers have also agreed to significantly reduce the amounts of sugar, salt and fat in many products, and promote increased consumption of fruit and vegetables in …show more content…
This epidemic has a seriously negative effective on the physical, social and psychological health of sufferers, which is why treatments (such as lifestyle changes, counselling, medication and surgery) and government policies (such as increased guidance, changes to labelling of food and drinks and improvements to nutritional value of popular foods) are so vital in improving the health of Britain. However, the UK still has the highest obesity rate in the whole of Western Europe, so it is clear more effective methods are necessary in tackling the issue (NHS choices, 2015). In my opinion, the best way to combat obesity is to increase education on healthy diet and exercise in primary schools, to tackle the disease in children and prevent them continuing the disease into adulthood. It has been proven that the path to obesity starts in childhood, according to Susan Jebb, professor of diet and population health at the University of Oxford: “" (NHS choices, 2015). Furthermore, in 2011 16% of children between the ages of two and 15 were classed as clinically obese (NHS choices, 2015.) I believe that educating children on the serious detrimental effects obesity has on health and overall quality of life, and the benefits of regular exercise over sedentary living could significantly reduce