Rising Cost Of Obesity Threatens NHS, UK

Main Category: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Also Included In: Diabetes
Article Date: 18 Sep 2007 - 13:00 PDT

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Widespread obesity is draining NHS resources, say a new independent report commissioned by health policy think-tank the King's Fund.

The report examined the NHS over the past five years.

It concluded that a dramatic increase in funding will be required if immediate steps aren't taken to tackle health problems such as smoking and obesity.

"Obesity has long been known as a major cause of Type 2 diabetes," said Simon O'Neil, Director of Care, Information, and Advocacy at Diabetes UK.

"With escalating numbers of people - including growing numbers of young people - being diagnosed, now is the time for action.

"The government should follow the lead of awareness initiatives such as our Measure Up campaign and give the challenge of obesity the serious attention it deserves."

Sir Derek Wanless, the report's author, warns that the unnecessary expenses incurred by the health service will continue to soar if the UK's rising level of obesity is not curbed.

http://www.diabetes.org.uk