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Obesity strategy unveiled

23/01/2008

A cross-society campaign to tackle the UK's growing obesity problem has been unveiled today by the government.

Health secretary Alan Johnson said numerous government departments will work together to encourage healthier lifestyles from birth into adulthood.

The obesity strategy follows a major report last year which warned that if current lifestyles continue about a quarter of children, 60 per cent of men and 50 per cent of women will be obese by 2050.

At these levels obesity is projected to cost society £45.5 billion a year.

The government is to invest £372 million in the obesity strategy.

It will aim to improve the healthy growth and development of children; promote healthier food choices; build physical activity into everyday lives; create incentives for better health; and create personalise advice and support.

"Tackling obesity is the most significant public and personal health challenge facing our society. The core of the problem is simple - we eat too much and we do too little exercise," Mr Johnson said.

"The solution is more complex. From the nature of the food that we eat, to the built environment, through to the way our children lead their lives - it is harder to avoid obesity in the modern environment."

The health secretary added: "It is not the government's role to hector or lecture people, but we do have a duty to support them in leading healthier lifestyles. This will only succeed if the problem is recognised, owned and addressed in every part of society."

Health campaigners and the food and drink industry have welcomed the strategy.

Joe Korner, director of communications at the Stroke Association, said: "Being obese or overweight greatly increases the risk of stroke, especially through increases in blood pressure – the highest risk factor for stroke. Over 40 per cent of strokes could be prevented through tackling high blood pressure.

"It is vital that the positive moves by government to improve stroke services and to reduce the incidence of stroke are not undermined by the obesity time bomb which, if left unchecked, will increase the numbers of people at high risk of stroke."

Julian Hunt from the Food and Drink Federation added: "We are also encouraged that our long-standing call for a genuine partnership to be forged between industry and government appears to have been heard - and we look forward to meeting with the secretary of state for health very shortly to discuss his ideas further."