< Back to Articles A-Z

Poor Health & Obesity with in the UK has been increasing year on year, immensely from the 1980’s. Before 1980 obesity levels were approximately 5% of the UK population, now in 2009 regrettably the results are different, a huge 30% of UK men & women have an obesity issue. This is a massive 25% difference from how we once were pre 1980.

Obesity is becoming more of an epidemic, more so than any over!

1980	USA UK	15% adult obesity 6% males & 8% females
1991	USA UK	23% adult obesity 12% males & 15% females
2001	USA UK	31 – 32% adult obesity 21% males & 24% females

Let’s look at why obesity within the United Kingdom is such a major issue

• We have adopted the American culture (quick easy meals)
• An increase in wholegrain & carbohydrates raises blood sugar levels which in turn increases body fat.
• Additives, Preservities, Poor soils, import of foreign foods, intensive manufacturing processes have a drastic impact on the quality of modern foods.
• Cheaper, poorer quality food products are more desirable for majority of pockets.
• Convenience foods are used on most days by the UK public, whether it’s a takeaway, Chinese on a Friday night, a quick fix burger & / or chips etc.  All have a huge influence on Heart disease & increases in body fat (weight gain).
• Stress Levels are on an increase, as people want more, expect more from them, have family, health or personal issues, peer pressures. All of which are contributing factors to raise blood pressure (increase in hyper tension).
• Lack of exercise from a sedentary lifestyle has a huge impact on obesity levels. Although we have got more fitness facilities, physical trainers & press on health and fitness than we have ever had before, most people want a quick fix easy result with exercise, yet hard work, a good diet & lifestyle & constant self discipline is critical!
• Rest & Sleep is critical, between 12 and 3am the body is self repairing, if you don’t sleep between this period, forget your dream beach body, sleep & suitable body rest is crucial!

What are the risks in being obese?

• Increased risks of heart disease!
• Increased risks of cancer!
• Increased risks of diabetes type 2 if you’re not diabetic.
• Increased risks in complications if needing operations
• Increased risks in joint problems!
• Increased risks in eye problems & extremities issues.
• Increased risks in back injury & muscular injury
• Depression, anxiety!
• Poor fitness levels
• Lack of movement & restrictions in every day life activities.
• Worse of all a shortened life expectancy!

So why with so much hype on fitness & diet in tabloids, news etc are we becoming heavier?

Well, to put it simply, if you’ve read the above bullet points and if you aren’t prepared to address any of these points and make a change to your lifestyle then it’s clear as a nation we’re going to become heavier and heavier year on year. Please note all of the results rely on you!!

So how do we decrease obesity levels?
Simply do the opposite to what was mentioned in the above bullet points. Plus take on board the following;

• Eat healthy, regular low carbohydrate meals
• Consume healthier fats and proteins and veg
• Refrain from eating too much fruit
• Refrain from eating chocolate, sweets, snacks and conveinance foods.
• Exercise regularly, everyday, a minimum of 4 -5 hours per week (minimum)
• Avoid drinking excessive amounts of alchohol.
• Avoid Stress where possible
• Gain sufficient bed rest / and general rest

Any questions on this subject, please email me!

Thank you for reading

Gavin Townsend

www.GTPT.co.uk

 

If you have any comments or queries do not hesitate to contact me via our online form.