Why are we getting so fat?

In addition, for those in higher income brackets, the social pressure to eat out often comes into play, especially amongst adults without children who have the expendable time and income to spend.

Tax breaks for the fit
In a bid to tackle the growing problem of obesity, the government is looking at ways to provide tax relief for the fit. Businesses could be given tax allowances for providing gym equipment or subsidised gym membership for employees, and for replacing snacks and drink machines with health-food canteens and water coolers.

Members of the public could benefit from the incentive, too, by agreeing with their GPs to undertake a certain amount of exercise. The proposals suggest that if overweight patients can provide proof of increasing their exercise, they may become liable for tax breaks.