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  |  Healthy Living  |  Healthy Eating  |  Obesity - the health facts
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Obesity - the health facts

by Dawn Gay
continued from page 1
  • It is said that children of obese parents are twice as likely to become overweight themselves. In fact, certain people are naturally more prone to weight gain or find the pounds harder to lose because our genetic make-up decides how we break down fat as individuals.

  • A recent National Obesity Forum survey found that people living in the North of England and Scotland eat larger portions than those living in the South East and East Anglia.

  • They also report that women are twice as likely to feel guilty about eating larger portions of food than men. 41 per cent of women felt guilt pangs compared to 21 per cent of men.

  • In 1998 over 18 million sick days were attributed to illnesses associated with obesity (National Obesity Forum).

  • People suffering from obesity have a shorter life expectancy, living an average of nine years less that people of a healthier weight (National Obesity Forum).

    Not only can obesity affect life expectancy it can be responsible for conditions such as: cardiovascular disease, diabetes II, stroke, cancer, joint problems such as osteoarthritis and high blood pressure.

  • The National Audit Office estimates that health problems associated with obesity cost the NHS at least half a billion pounds each year.

  • In the 1960s, scientist James Neel, came up with his own theory for obesity - he said it could be caused by a 'thrifty gene'. The Pima Indians in Mexico and Arizona were a tribe with heavy bodyweights who had suffered bad times and starvation. Neel believed that they developed this gene to help them store energy and maintain a hefty weight as a means of survival.

    Sources:
    National Obesity Forum.
    www.foodstandards.gov.uk.
    iVillage TV - Health zone

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    This iVillage Health service area is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or that of a child, please consult your family's health provider immediately and do not wait for a response from our professionals. For the full Disclaimer, click here.
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