Charity launched to address obesity epidemic

A new charity, Obesity Action Campaign!, is being launched today at the House of Lords, to address the major issue of obesity in today’s society which is costing £½billion with wider costs climbing to £2billion.
  Its main aim is to raise awareness of obesity and its adverse health consequences, with particularly emphasis on the lesser-known consequences of liver and pancreas disease. The campaign also hopes to educate mothers about healthy eating prior to pregnancy and parents about the healthy feeding of children. Adolescents will also be a key target group.
 
Dr. Jude A Oben, a Trustee of the charity, Consultant Physician Gastroenterologist specialising in obesity and liver disease at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital and the Royal Free Hospital Hampstead, London and a Senior Lecturer at University College London, said, “30,000 people die prematurely every year because of obesity related illnesses. Adult obesity rates in the UK are about 30% of the population and rising.
 
“Childhood obesity rates are also rising and is around 15% of the pediatric population. This needs to change!”
 
Many reports and studies have found that not enough is being done to prevent obesity related illnesses especially its effects on the liver and pancreas including cirrhosis and cancers. Obesity, a complex issue, is the accumulation of fat in the body to such a degree that it increases the risk of diseases and reduces life expectancy.
 
“I’ve been working in medicine and science for 22 years and continually see patients who don’t know how to tackle their obesity or how they should be looking after their children. We take it for granted that people know how to look after themselves. We are continually being informed about what we should eat and how much we should exercise. The message is not getting through! We have to change tack. We have to address this obesity epidemic head on!”
 
“I’m passionate about changing the future through the Obesity Action Campaign! and through it we intend to change attitudes to eating amongst those whose weight is of concern,” added Dr. Oben.
 
Lord McColl of Dulwich, Patron of Obesity Action Campaign!, said “The obesity epidemic is killing millions and costing billions. We need a solution.”
 
Ms Shirley Palmer, a philanthropist and entrepreneur, said “I can no longer sit on the side lines and watch young and old continue to shorten their lives. As a Trustee of Obesity Action Campaign!, I’ll use every opportunity available to me to help educate children and young people of the dangers of food and that exercise is also required. Obesity can be tackled head on but early intervention is key!”