12 Million Could Be Obese By 2010

Figures published by the Department of Health show that nearly a third of UK men will be obese by 2010, along with more than 12 million adults overall and one million children, if we don't start to make changes as a nation to our lifestyles.

The grim picture was reached following a report commissioned to predict the levels of obesity in England should current trends continue and no interventions take place.

Other findings showed that:

- Girls will overtake boys in the obesity stakes, with nearly 1 in 5 girls aged 2-10 expected to be obese in 2010;

- Statistics for 2003 showed that more boys in middle-class (non-manual) households were more obese compared to manual;

- Nearly a third of men will be obese by 2010, with figures increasing from 4.3m in 2003 to 6.7m in 2010;

- In households with two obese parents, 1 child in 4 is obese, compared to 1 child in 8 in households where one parents is obese and 1 in 20 where no parents are obese.

This is the most accurate estimate so far, of what we could all be facing in this country unless people take more responsibility for their own health and more importantly, their children's.

Commenting on the 'Forecasting Obesity to 2010' report, Secretary of State for Health Patricia Hewitt said:

"In the old days, the big health challenges were infectious diseases like Typhoid and TB, but these days, our health depends much more on what we do for ourselves than on what the NHS does for us. That's why each of us needs to think about how we can lead healthier lives. It might be as simple as cutting down on the number of take-aways we eat, saying no to that extra pint of beer, getting off the bus one stop earlier or walking our children to school - all small changes that can make big differences.

And that's why we need to take action now. We've already stepped in to try and slow this worrying trend, but there's only so much the Government can do. People need to want to change their lifestyles and take responsibility for their health - before they face problems in later life such as coronary heart disease, type two diabetes or cancer.

"Government and the NHS will support people in leading healthier lives but ultimately, it is each individual's choice that counts”.

Obesity, in particular amongst children, has become an increasingly worrying problem across the developing world - a fact reflected in the recent World Health Organisation report that showed, for the first time ever, there are now more obese than malnourished people.

The Choosing Health White Paper was a major step forward in helping to improve people's health after consultations told us that people wanted support to change their lifestyles. And 'Small Change Big Difference' launched by the Prime Minister earlier this year offered practical solutions to help people make changes to their lifestyles in the hope of healthier futures.

The Secretary of State for Health added:

"With children heading back to school in September - these statistics should give parents food for thought on how to make their kids' lifestyles healthier. It's about thinking of what's in their packed lunches, educating them to choose the healthy option on their school dinner menu and encouraging them to play outside instead of on their computers.

"We are intervening and helping to make a difference, but we want today's figures to act as a stark reminder of the problem we and our children will face if we don't act now and start making healthier lifestyle choices. "

The Choosing Health White Paper sets out a comprehensive plan of action on physical activity, diet, personalised support, information and curbs on marketing, which provides a strong foundation for tackling obesity.

The NHS spends around £1 billion annually on obesity related illnesses that can be prevented.

For enquiries ring the Public Enquiry Line on 0207 210 4850.