Eight In 10 Men 'Will Be Overweight Or Obese By 2020', UK

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Main Category: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Article Date: 18 Feb 2010 - 0:00 PST

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A new report from the National Heart Forum has concluded that obesity trends among adults in England are continuing to rise, meaning there will be worrying increases in associated conditions and diseases such as heart disease, cancer and Type 2 diabetes in coming years.

'A 98 per cent rise in Type 2 diabetes'

Led by Oxford University's Professor Klim McPherson the researchers conducted the analysis by preparing forecasts up to 2020 for overweight and obesity levels among adults using the most recent data and comparing them to previous estimates.

The team also updated their predictions for the burdens of diseases and conditions that are attributable to obesity. Their analysis shows a substantial increase in cardiovascular diseases particularly coronary heart disease (CHD). By 2050, they predict a 23 per cent rise in the prevalence of obesity-related stroke, a 34 per cent rise in obesity-related hypertension, a 44 per cent rise in obesity-related coronary heart disease and a 98 per cent rise in Type 2 diabetes.

A gloomy picture of the UK's health

"This new report paints a gloomy picture of the future state of the UK's health. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 per cent of all cases of diabetes and obesity is one of its leading causes." said Diabetes UK Care Advisor, Cathy Moulton.

"Historically a condition that only develops in the over 40s, Type 2 diabetes is now worryingly being diagnosed in children as young as seven, a situation almost unheard of just a generation ago, and purely as a result of obesity.

Action needed now

"There is every reason we can reverse these trends if the recommended daily level of 60 minutes' physical activity, achievable for most children, is combined with a healthy balanced diet, rich in fruit and vegetables and low in fat, sugar and salt.

"Unless we take action now, we will be putting a generation at risk of the many devastating complications associated with obesity", said Cathy.

Source
Diabetes UK
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