In shocking new statistics released by Cancer Research, they have found that 71% of the UK population, around 42 million people, will be overweight or obese by 2040.
This is a sharp rise from the 64% of people already classed as overweight or obese within the UK and with the obesity crisis is already costing our NHS an estimated £6.5billion per year, urgent action is needed to ensure we look after the health of the nation and the NHS.
But, if we carry on as we are, as the “alarming” report also states, of the 42 million, half of those people will be obese, and Cancer Research describe these findings as “staggering”.
And it isn’t just up to us to stop the obesity crisis – it should also be the government making more calls to help support those with overweight and obesity. As explained by chief executive of Cancer Research, Michelle Mitchell:
“These projections should serve as a wake-up call to the Government about the state of our nation’s health.
“Ministers must not keep kicking the can down the road when it comes to tackling the obesity crisis – delaying measures that will lead to healthier food options.”
Michelle says this in response to the news this week that the government is issuing a U-turn on their proposed ban on buy-one-get-one-free deals on junk food to help tackle the cost-of-living crisis.
As Michelle continues:
“I urge them to revisit this decision and take bold action on obesity, the second biggest preventable risk factor for cancer in the UK.”
Our own Medical Director, Dr Charlotte Norton explains why the findings are so worrying:
“We know the rates of obesity in the UK have been steadily increasing however these recent statistics are alarming. Being overweight or obese puts individuals at risk of developing other medical conditions which can pose serious risk to health.
“The recent coronavirus pandemic highlighted this with those of a higher BMI being more seriously affected.
“Obesity is multifactorial and tackling it requires a joint up approach not only by healthcare providers but by government officials, policy makers and us as individuals.”
Why is it important to be a healthy weight?
Being a healthy weight is really important to lower your risk of obesity-related illness.
Find out if you are healthy weight with our FREE BMI calculator
Being overweight or obese, as we know, increases your risk of a number of life-threatening conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and is rapidly becoming one of the biggest causes of cancer within the UK, almost overtaking smoking.
Additionally, being overweight can cause strain on your joints, leading to lower mobility.
It can also have a huge impact on your mental health and your overall enjoyment of life.
Dr Norton tells us about some of the reasons that patients choose to lose weight with The Slimming Clinic:
“Often we treat patients who have tried several times to lose weight and keep it off. At The Slimming Clinic our medical approach not only focuses on diet but also the behavioural changes that are required to make a lasting difference.
“We do not offer patients quick fixes but a rounded approach that skills them in managing their weight for life.”
What can we do to stay healthy?
There is no one-size-fits-all way to stay healthy and within a healthy weight for you.
Each person’s health and weight loss looks different, but we know as a general rule that if you burn more calories in energy than you consume, you should lose weight or stay within a healthy weight range for you.
Dr Norton gives her best advice on what to do if you are struggling with your weight and need more support:
“At The Slimming Clinic we take an individual approach to each patients’ weight loss. Our team of medical professionals work with you to make changes that are sustainable for you.
“We understand that it is not as simple as eating less and moving more. If you are thinking about losing weight, a good starting point is to look at your daily habits, food intake and lifestyle and see if you can identify small changes you can make.
“Over time, these changes will become habit and part of your new lifestyle. If you are looking for support with this, our team at The Slimming Clinic will be able to help you whatever your individual goal is.”
What is the next step?
The next step, if you are worried about your health and weight, is to reach out to the weight loss doctors who can help you.
We know that these statistics are frightening, but The Slimming Clinic exist because we want to do all we can to tackle the obesity crisis in the UK.
Our aim is to help as many people as possible to control their weight and take care of their physical and mental well-being.
That is why our weight loss programmes are doctor led. We use real, medical professionals – experts in the human body and medicine – who can show you real, tangible, healthy ways to not only lose weight, but take care of your health in the long-term too.
If you are ready to lose weight, improve your health and reduce your risk of becoming one of the 42 million suffering with overweight or obesity in 2040, then contact us at The Slimming Clinic and see how we can support you!
0800 917 9334
Book Online