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Thread: Obesity in UK

  1. #1
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    Obesity in UK

    This is just shocking

    https://news.sky.com/story/uk-ranked...study-12604643 UK ranked fourth for having most overweight and obese adults in Europe, according to WHO study

    In a world where we have the chance to live longer than ever before we chose as humans to ruin that gift and as for the children thats child abuse full stop.
    RIAC

  2. #2
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    I'm surprised we're only 4th!

    Not really surprising that it increased 2019 - 2020 either, with lockdowns imposed.

    The massive upsurge in cancer test referrals is more concerning, I think, as it shows that people were indeed not getting the tests required during the pandemic...

    M
    Last edited by snowman; 3rd May 2022 at 16:02.
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  3. #3
    No shock really, are we not also high up on the list of binge drinkers and if i recall Scotland is the drugs death capital of Europe.

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    It's coming sometime and maybe

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    This link is really poor. Sensationalism without any link to substantiate, nor analysis.

    You will find the report here if you're interested.

    For the record, UK is 4th behind Turkey, Malta and... Israel.


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  6. #6
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    Agree worrying indeed

    I am staggered how many people either can't or wont cook these days too may kids not even taught the basics
    too easy just to pick up the phone or use an app to get food delivered to the couch


  7. #7
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    What are they eating in Turkey? After a while spent in Italy, I'm shocked at how much cream and butter etc. is used in recipes in UK. I've noticed school kids are showing more fat here in Italy, that's over a 12 year period. The increase over a period of time would be useful. Point about home cooking relevant. Thanks for original data info. Just seen the 'over a period of time' table
    Last edited by EBB21; 3rd May 2022 at 17:55.

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    When I see massive fat kids I don’t understand why social services don’t intervene…. If the child was starved they would be so why is making your kid fat acceptable?

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Montello View Post
    When I see massive fat kids I don’t understand why social services don’t intervene…. If the child was starved they would be so why is making your kid fat acceptable?
    Thats the bit that worries me most, the adults are causing unnecessary havoc on the NHS (for which we all pay) and that seems a little selfish really albeit they will often insist patients do a degree of self help like dieting and stopping smoking before ops etc.

    Additionally it seems such a waste to be so over indulgent, its a form of addiction for some as we frown on those who take drugs and drink too much this should have a similar stigma really if only to help the individuals and the system and society as a whole.
    RIAC

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Montello View Post
    When I see massive fat kids I don’t understand why social services don’t intervene…. If the child was starved they would be so why is making your kid fat acceptable?
    Some child obesity is caused by poverty and mental/actual diagnosable conditions but the vast majority is basically awful parenting. Failure to provide nutritious balanced meals and failure to say no when necessary.

    I also believe schools also have a part to play. why is it that at every break time the local shop and burger van has a queue of children buying junk? In my day you were not permitted off the school premises at all during school hours.


    In my view, in some cases it's abuse and should be treated as such.

  11. #11
    When i was growing up id leave the house in the summer holidays at 8am and come back when id either split my knee open or got hungry, nowadays kids don't get the outside exercise my generation got, add to that Xbox’s and all types of devices along with crappy parenting and we are where we are.

  12. #12
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    Can’t believe this isn’t in BP. I can’t say what I really think.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by robert75 View Post
    Same in Turkey as Italy really, there is a lot of very healthy food there but also a lot of very fatty food and high sugar content in deserts etc. Society is quite sedentary as well so thats probably another factor I assume Malta and Israel are quite similar in lifestyle.

    Its always interesting when these things come out people go on about when they were kids people used to play out all day etc..... Kids also used to eat tooth rotting sweets as well (Anyone remember wham bars?) glue sniffing was the drug all over the newspapers at the time. I actually see a lot more kids on bikes these days and a lot more people will go to the gym or out jogging than ever before.
    It's right though. All kids were out playing. Burning calories. Yes we ate sweets but we never got fat. All drinks were full sugar as well. Like someone said I was out all day and didn't even think about food.

    Same as the heating situation were in. We never had central heating just the coal fire. No insulation at all metal windows with single pain glass. Drafts everywhere.

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    Doesn't surprise me and only going to get worse. What can you do though if there is no carrot or stick and it's not seen as being at fault to be inactive and eat too much?

    Looking at how I've seen people age, I think people get into bad habits in their 20's...too much drinking and too little exercise. This catches up with you insidiously as bad habits cement themselves and the weight piles on in the 30's. It's then hard to really break the cycle as it's such a long and unpleasant process to get back to a healthy weight if you are not used to exercise.
    Last edited by Christian; 3rd May 2022 at 21:43.

  15. #15
    I think it's a much bigger problem.

    The industrialisation of food and growth of supermarkets etc has changed things significantly since we were kids.

    The idea of kids burning off calories playing out is mistaken I think. Kids are at school most of the time, or sleeping, then and now.



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  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by EBB21 View Post
    What are they eating in Turkey?
    Metric tons of butter with baklava for dessert.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Christian View Post
    Doesn't surprise me and only going to get worse. What can you do though if there is no carrot or stick and it's not seen as being at fault to be inactive and eat too much?
    There’s a culture of self-indulgence fuelled by marketing and advertising. No personal responsibility taken by a lot of people. Normalisation of obesity with fashion adverts using “plus size” models and offering fashion garments in sizes previously only seen in camping shops.

    No idea if it’s correct but recall it being said some time ago that obesity related health issues consume 10% of the NHS budget.

  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by robert75 View Post
    Probably not so much the butter content but if its properly made then its with large quantities of honey if not then sugar and water (Lots of sugar) Lots of red meat, deserts with high fat content (Milk, butter, sugar, honey) etc.....

    Factor in a lot more people living in the big cities now (Istanbul, Ankara, Trabzon, Izmir, Adana etc...) I know Istanbul was very short of real green space.
    One Turkish food I just cannot eat due to the sheer volume of butter is munti -- and that's before they pour even more melted butter on top.

    Did just have some baklava with a tea though. lovely.

  19. #19
    It doesn’t have to be that way… BMI > 30 prevalence:


  20. #20
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    Obesity in UK

    Quote Originally Posted by Tokyo Tokei View Post
    It doesn’t have to be that way… BMI > 30 prevalence:

    So much we can learn from the Japanese lifestyle, really excited about visiting the country soon and immersing in its splendour.

    Is part of the UK's problem its indulgent nature?. Constantly marketed with adverts for junk. You just never see an advert for brocolli on a bus stop its always 'happy meal' or processed shiny looking packaged food and drink. Your greatest asset is your health yet we invest so badly in it
    RIAC

  21. #21
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    People like to blame individuals for obesity (especially when they have always been thin!). And yes, we are all responsible for the decisions we make but ultimately when 30% of your population is obese then that is a population/societal/cultural problem which can only have population and societal based solutions.

    A culture of putting profits above all leads to cheap hyper palatable food pedalled to the whole population. On a population level, it’s no wonder there is obesity, especially if you are poor.

    I’m not poor or obese but it has become pretty clear in my work as a doctor over the years that pointing the finger at individuals is daft. Point it at big food companies and our government who gets into bed with them.

    Also, kids being fat is not about the fact that they no longer kick a can down the road for 8 hours and felt lucky for doing it. Obesity is all about diet.
    Last edited by watchstudent; 4th May 2022 at 06:48.

  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by watchstudent View Post
    People like to blame individuals for obesity (especially when they have always been thin!). And yes, we are all responsible for the decisions we make but ultimately when 30% of your population is obese then that is a population/societal/cultural problem which can only have population and societal based solutions.

    A culture of putting profits above all leads to cheap hyper palatable food pedalled to the whole population. On a population level, it’s no wonder there is obesity, especially if you are poor.

    I’m not poor or obese but it has become pretty clear in my work as a doctor over the years that pointing the finger at individuals is daft. Point it at big food companies and our government who gets into bed with them.
    So true, I witnessed first hand the demise of the health of Aboriginals when McDonalds came to town and it was shocking hearing how much they declined in the years following.

    That said some of the responsibility is the individuals, they need to self discipline and take heed of advise given on media and from medical professionals. Also effort is required, knocking up Chicken Dinosaurs and Chips is easy, making a decent meal requires effort and thats where adults are failing. I wont deny I occasionally look at processed food, meat etc and think ‘Ohh I bet that’s nice’ but it serves no purpose I adopt the mantra of ‘Eating for function not for taste and ease’
    Last edited by 100thmonkey; 4th May 2022 at 06:50.
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  23. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by 100thmonkey View Post
    So true, I witnessed first hand the demise of the health of Aboriginals when McDonalds came to town and it was shocking hearing how much they declined in the years following
    Perfect example. We are a species hard wired to shove calories into our faces. Todays obese people would have an evolutionary advantage over todays slim people 1000s of years ago.

  24. #24
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    Anyone reading this who is a unit please do not be offended its not a dig its a generalisation and we all have the right to live as we chose, its poisoning the kids and killing healthcare thats the grind.
    RIAC

  25. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by 100thmonkey View Post
    So much we can learn from the Japanese lifestyle, really excited about visiting the country soon and immersing in its splendour.

    Is part of the UK's problem its indulgent nature?. Constantly marketed with adverts for junk. You just never see an advert for brocolli on a bus stop its always 'happy meal' or processed shiny looking packaged food and drink. Your greatest asset is your health yet we invest so badly in it
    I'd say part of the problem is the UK's strong culture of instant gratification also how there's often a financial necessity for both parents to be 'bread winners'...thus time pressured so easier to warm up pre made or order in but it's also lack of education...We've become more like the Yanks!
    An example...Mrs P developed gestational diabetes, which I was able to manage by adjusting our diet but she still had to go into clinic to have it regularly checked, one day there was another new mum in there, Nurse asked her how's her baby doing with feeding and was he transitioning to more solid food OK, the other Mum proudly announced, oh yes he's doing great he loves the McD's she explained she was blending up and serving him...that poor kid, no words...we didn't hear nurse say anything to her about healthy eating.

    As someone mentioned earlier partly it's our primitive brains responding to abundant empty calories...the food designers/ manufacturers make the bad foods 'moreish', then the creative industries market them.

    Also the nature of work has changed become more sedentary and there's no money in Kids running about outside playing and finding ways to amuse themselves...far 'better' they be mini consumers!
    Also I imagine when some folks spaff substantial money on a flash motor, they will become far less likely to walk anywhere even say 5 to 10 minutes just for a paper or pint of milk... cos the passersby won't know they're successful, rich...so American.
    Last edited by Passenger; 4th May 2022 at 09:16.

  26. #26
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    Quote Originally Posted by watchstudent View Post
    People like to blame individuals for obesity (especially when they have always been thin!). And yes, we are all responsible for the decisions we make but ultimately when 30% of your population is obese then that is a population/societal/cultural problem which can only have population and societal based solutions.

    A culture of putting profits above all leads to cheap hyper palatable food pedalled to the whole population. On a population level, it’s no wonder there is obesity, especially if you are poor.

    I’m not poor or obese but it has become pretty clear in my work as a doctor over the years that pointing the finger at individuals is daft. Point it at big food companies and our government who gets into bed with them.

    Also, kids being fat is not about the fact that they no longer kick a can down the road for 8 hours and felt lucky for doing it. Obesity is all about diet.
    This is what I wanted to say but far more eloquently than I could have put it. Stop beating people up for being fat!


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  27. #27
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    Obesity in UK

    Quote Originally Posted by jeepie View Post
    This is what I wanted to say but far more eloquently than I could have put it. Stop beating people up for being fat!


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    No one is beating anyone up but the cause is a personal one. No one force feeds you the physical food but they do force feed you the marketing and ease and thats a lot to blame. Theres nothing wrong with being fat however passing the culture to children and taking a bed unnecessarily is a little bit cruel/selfish.
    Last edited by 100thmonkey; 4th May 2022 at 07:45.
    RIAC

  28. #28
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    Quote Originally Posted by 100thmonkey View Post
    No one is beating anyone up but the cause is a personal one. No one force feeds you the physical food but they do force feed you the marketing and ease and thats a lot to blame. Theres nothing wrong with being fat however passing the culture to children and taking a bed unnecessarily is a little bit selfish.
    Understood. I just think it’s one of those very complex issues to unravel.

    I do think the marketing and commercialisation of food that causes obesity will be reviewed in hindsight just like we see cigarettes now.

    I also think about the abuse I get trying to cycle 4 miles to work and wonder if structural issues in society are causing weight gain.

  29. #29
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    Quote Originally Posted by jeepie View Post
    Understood. I just think it’s one of those very complex issues to unravel.

    I do think the marketing and commercialisation of food that causes obesity will be reviewed in hindsight just like we see cigarettes now.

    I also think about the abuse I get trying to cycle 4 miles to work and wonder if structural issues in society are causing weight gain.
    They absolutely are, look at Holland and Germany where the towns are superbly established for cycling and actively encourage the use of bikes, every little helps!
    RIAC

  30. #30
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    This recent news article sums things up for me...

    https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/bla...slams-23814293

  31. #31
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    Quote Originally Posted by Christian View Post
    This recent news article sums things up for me...

    https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/bla...slams-23814293
    You pay for excess baggage! Maybe that is the solution to fund the required space
    RIAC

  32. #32
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    Possibly only a small part of the problem, but I have always had an issue with all you can eat restaurants and their encouragement of gluttony.

    See also bottomless, drink all you can brunches.


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  33. #33
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    We are all exposed to the same food supply chain and marketing … but we are not all obese.

    Personal responsibility has to be a big part of the equation.

    Blaming others, or big corporations, is the easy option.

    If no one chooses to eat bad food then big corporates will pretty soon change what they sell. They just want to make money they don’t care if they do it selling broccoli or pizza. There is no conspiracy here.

    I think a big part of the matter is cultural change and attitudes towards appearance. Being obese isn’t the stigma it once was.
    Last edited by Montello; 4th May 2022 at 09:17.

  34. #34
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    Quote Originally Posted by Montello View Post
    We are all exposed to the same food supply chain and marketing … but we are not all obese.

    Personal responsibility has to be a big part of the equation.

    Blaming others, or big corporations, is the easy option.

    If no one chooses to eat bad food then big corporates will pretty soon change what they sell. They just want to make money they don’t care if they do it selling broccoli or pizza. There is no conspiracy here.

    I think a big part of the matter is cultural change and attitudes towards appearance. Being obese isn’t the stigma it once was.
    I think you are maybe missing the point about how good are the profit margins on the crappy pre prepared processed stuff Vs broccoli for example.

    Do agree though personal responsibility must be a part of it, also education.
    Last edited by Passenger; 4th May 2022 at 09:29.

  35. #35
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    There was an image published which I think was called Brighton Beach, it featured the seafront in summer in the late 50’s/early 60’s and then the same image around 2019. What was noticeable was that all those in the 50/60’s picture were lean and the 2019 was on the larger side in the majority. Now given we have access to more knowledge, gyms, more diverse fresh foods available and know the negative effects why are we self destructing as humans? Is it like smoking in that we accept its the norm and then realise the impact too late then make it a stigma and address the problem? I really don’t know but my concern is not bias its caring for the health of individuals and the system that supports them (and having room on a plane!)
    RIAC

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    Quote Originally Posted by Passenger View Post
    I think you are maybe missing the point about how good are the profit margins on the crappy pre prepared processed stuff Vs broccoli for example.

    Do agree though personal responsibility must be a part of it, also education.
    Margins are one thing but demand is king … if the consumer is demanding broccoli it doesn’t matter how good the margin on pizza is if no one buys.

  37. #37
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    Programmed to consume, the more consumed the greater the success/wealth/ social standing...see that weird nonsense of people photo'ing their food and sticking it on social media.
    People with empty holes/ unhappiness in their lives will buy things to fill them, find ways to make happy people, but there'd be less money in that.
    Life's all about choices in the face of such apparent hyper abundance, our monkey brains often make poor choices.
    Perhaps a bit of each.

  38. #38
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    Quote Originally Posted by Montello View Post
    We are all exposed to the same food supply chain and marketing … but we are not all obese.

    Personal responsibility has to be a big part of the equation.

    Blaming others, or big corporations, is the easy option.

    If no one chooses to eat bad food then big corporates will pretty soon change what they sell. They just want to make money they don’t care if they do it selling broccoli or pizza. There is no conspiracy here.

    I think a big part of the matter is cultural change and attitudes towards appearance. Being obese isn’t the stigma it once was.
    We are not all equal, genetically, in front of food. Add to that the mental aspect: some personalities are prone to addiction, others are not (at least in normal circumstances). Sugar is a good example of a food addiction (as is salt BTW).
    Those who say it's all a matter of diet and will have no understanding of the problem at all beyond their personal situation. A bit like saying "cheer up" to somebody who is depressive.

    As to Brighton beach, I wasn't there at the time but my mother was. There was still severe food rationing, which 1) explains why people were not overfed and 2) that once food became abundant again parents "treated" their kids as much as they had been denied those treats, unaware that they were setting long term habits that are hard to reverse 2 generations later.

    Having said that, cooking at home should be the norm, not the exception, and I lament the surge in deliveroo, just eat, etc. that empowers the junk food giants by extending their reach. But the type of "free market-ish" economy preached by that the powers that be will not allow public health priorities to impede their grip.
    'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.

  39. #39
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    Quote Originally Posted by Montello View Post
    Margins are one thing but demand is king … if the consumer is demanding broccoli it doesn’t matter how good the margin on pizza is if no one buys.
    Back to education then, not just of minds but palates and that mostly happens in childhood, but these days whose got the time/ energy to prepare food, so much more convenient to blend up a mcD's and spoon it to baby.

    From experience big recommendation for Annabel Karmels' books on what to feed baby...educate their palates from birth to a variety of flavours and textures, they become inclined to be better, healthier eaters.
    Last edited by Passenger; 4th May 2022 at 09:58.

  40. #40
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    Quote Originally Posted by watchstudent View Post
    People like to blame individuals for obesity (especially when they have always been thin!). And yes, we are all responsible for the decisions we make but ultimately when 30% of your population is obese then that is a population/societal/cultural problem which can only have population and societal based solutions.
    This hit the nail on the head. Whilst it is down to individual choice, you are wasting your time blaming an individual to find a solution. And the problem is mostly food, not exercise.

    I really don't know what the solution is either. The only "fast acting" weapon the government normally has to manipulate a population is tax and I don't see the direct taxes like 'sugar tax' has much of an effect? This is a harder problem that alcohol to solve and if recent reports are anything to go by, even Scotland's attempt to manipulate the population with drink law hasn't achieved much.

    Maybe tax corporations like McDonald's and reinvest that money in health education, cycle infrastructure, health initiatives etc?

    The initiatives so far have been pointless like the 'free' bike servicing vouchers...that just created a headline for one day and put money in Halfords pockets - I doubt it had any health impact!

  41. #41
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    Quote Originally Posted by Passenger View Post
    ... our monkey brains often make poor choices.
    I guess that is the bottom line ...

    Same with so many other things, smoking, drinking, drugs, bad behaviours of various types ...

  42. #42
    Having two young kids we cook a healthy meal for them every night, everything is made from scratch and we don't use any frozen foods or premade sauces, we both work full time so it is a rush but we want our kids to be healthy so do our best. One of the kids is a very fussy eater and makes having different meals difficult. Both our girls are tiny, no fat on them at all, but some of kids at their school are large, I don't know how you can do that to your child, it should be a crime to let your kid be obese.

    We do take them to McD as a treat every now and then, as its quick, cheap and easy if we are out and about. This is the issue, how cheap it is, a happy meal is under £3, so I can see why parents just take the kids there way too often.

    I am personally overweight, not massively, but could do with losing a half a stone to a stone, I weight around 14.5 stone at 5 foot 10, so that's a BMI of around 29 which is classes as obese. For me to be classed as normal I would need to weigh only 12 stone. I would be stick thin at 12 stone, and would not want to get to that weight. I would be happy at 13.5 stone, which is still classed as overweight. So is part of the issue how BMI is calculated ?

  43. #43
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    Personal responsibility is THE only solution for each individual. But this is a population level problem, simply telling people to be more disciplined is never ever going to work. There are basically two of three factors that decide if you are fat:

    1. Genetics - some may not believe it but it absolutely does play a role - you only have to took at Pacific Islanders to see how easily they put on fat and/or muscle.

    2. Environment - this includes your upbringing, education, finances, stress levels - everything

    3. Self-discipline - I said 2 or 3 factors as this one is up for debate as largely how disciplined you will be is heavily influence by your situation/environment and genetics

    By no means am I saying that it is not the fault of the fat person for being fat, it is, but it is definitely not straightforward. And in terms of solutions you simply must look at changes to environment - better education, cheaper healthy food, reduced ease of high calorie cheap foods, better paying jobs, easier access to the outdoors and exercise - the whole thing

    You cannot say Britons are less disciplined than Danish people - it just wouldn't be statistically significant, what would differ is the genes and the environment, we can't change the genes so we must change the environment.

    It is very convenient for the govt to push personal responsibility but the fact of the matter is that you need to sort out poverty before you can tell a mother of three with two jobs to "make better decisions".

    On an individual level - sure, it is simple. Be active, eat sensible portions and don't eat ultra processed food/lots of sugar. Easy - so why is everyone so fat... see above.

    Quote Originally Posted by Montello View Post
    We are all exposed to the same food supply chain and marketing … but we are not all obese.

    Personal responsibility has to be a big part of the equation.

    Blaming others, or big corporations, is the easy option.

    If no one chooses to eat bad food then big corporates will pretty soon change what they sell. They just want to make money they don’t care if they do it selling broccoli or pizza. There is no conspiracy here.

    I think a big part of the matter is cultural change and attitudes towards appearance. Being obese isn’t the stigma it once was.
    Last edited by watchstudent; 4th May 2022 at 10:17.

  44. #44
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    Profoundly and amusingly hypocritical of Govt to be pushing personal responsibility when their front man is a total bloater of intemperate appetites and a track record for unwise decisions. Sigh, when will leaders lead, lolz.
    Last edited by Passenger; 4th May 2022 at 10:26.

  45. #45
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    Quote Originally Posted by Passenger View Post
    Profoundly and amusingly hypocritical of Govt to be pushing personal responsibility when their front man is a total bloater of intemperate appetites.
    A good example, even with his privileged environment and access to healthy food, he is obese. Now put him in a council flat. He is morbidly obese, has diabetes, unemployed, depressed and a massive burden on the NHS.

    There but for the grace of god go I.

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    Quote Originally Posted by watchstudent View Post
    A good example, even with his privileged environment and access to healthy food, he is obese. Now put him in a council flat. He is morbidly obese, has diabetes, unemployed, depressed and a massive burden on the NHS.

    There but for the grace of god go I.
    I have one friend who is very fat, drinks like a fish and smokes ... he a senior partner in our local GP practice ...

    When I raise his own choices with him he just laughs and says "have you seen how sick and miserable old people are ... I'm living my best life and I doubt I will make old bones ..."

  47. #47
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    Quote Originally Posted by Montello View Post
    I have one friend who is very fat, drinks like a fish and smokes ... he a senior partner in our local GP practice ...

    When I raise his own choices with him he just laughs and says "have you seen how sick and miserable old people are ... I'm living my best life and I doubt I will make old bones ..."
    Key difference there is choice. That unhealthy lifestyle is far more of a conscious choice than someone who is struggling to pay the bills.

    Also, his decent salary will certainly protect him from some of the ill effects of obesity/poor health.
    Last edited by watchstudent; 4th May 2022 at 11:24.

  48. #48
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    Quote Originally Posted by watchstudent View Post
    Key difference there is choice. That unhealthy lifestyle is far more of a conscious choice than someone who is struggling to pay the bills.

    Also, his decent salary will certainly protect him from some of the ill effects of obesity/poor health.
    Agreed; my wife holds our household food budget and informs me that cooking from scratch is far cheaper than the processed ready meals and other convenience options so I'm not really buying into the poverty angle.

  49. #49
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    Quote Originally Posted by Montello View Post
    Agreed; my wife holds our household food budget and informs me that cooking from scratch is far cheaper than the processed ready meals and other convenience options so I'm not really buying into the poverty angle.
    There is an undeniable link between poverty and obesity. Nothing to buy into, it’s a fact. Cost of the actual meal not the only factor.

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    I fluctuate my time between the UK and Spain and without doubt the Spanish are slimmer than the Brits, or to put it bluntly the Brits are fat buggers.

    If you look at old documentaries of the UK during the time that I grew up in the 1960s, the streets are full of slim young girls wearing miniskirts whereas today the girls are little porkers. In those days you would eat correctly cooked foods whereas today there are high calorie pre prepped meals sold by the million in supermarkets.

    Also I reckon half the problem is the UK weather. Britain has a long wet cold winter and not very good summers. You cannot live on salads and fruit in the UK, you pig up on things that warm you up and that tend to be fattening.

    Yesterday I had a typical Spanish dinner of fish and salad with a glass of wine and I eat like that most of the time when in Spain. When I return to the wet and colder UK I tend to eat higher calorie foods because it's a warmer meal.

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