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FAT NATION


THE BIG CHALLENGE
Eat, drink and exercise yourself to better health
Janette Marshall
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A WEIGHTY ISSUE


– weight gain and disease

A mature man walking a dogMany diseases are a result of weight problems. As waistlines expand, the number of people with long-term diseases increases. Longer life expectancy means that we have an added incentive to make positive changes to our diet and lifestyle to enjoy an active retirement. Prevent and treat health problems by acting now.

Global health burden


Obesity could be the biggest global health burden – a problem that will plague us for the next 30 years. All doctors do not recognize obesity itself as a serious disease that can be treated and many doctors do not see weight management as their role. If your doctor can’t help, seek help elsewhere – at a gym or an organised weight loss group such as Weight Watchers.

18 million sickies


It’s estimated that 18 million sick days a year are attributable to obesity, placing a huge strain on the economy. Don’t let yourself get to that stage – tackle your weight issues now to prevent health problems that could affect your professional life. There are always solutions – stay positive.

Time to waist away


No matter how big you are, losing 10cm (4ins) from around your stomach will reduce your chances of developing weight related health problems such as Type 2 diabetes or heart disease. If you already have one of these illnesses, your condition will also be improved. So whittle away your waistline and lengthen your lifespan.

General rules


To reduce weight, and disease risk, eat more fruit and vegetables, cut your fat intake (particularly saturated fat), eat less salt, and take about one hour’s moderate activity a day. By doing these few things you can really add years to your life and preserve your health for longer. There’s never been a better reason to shed a few pounds.

What can I do?

  1. Don’t panic!
    The health facts may be shocking, but they are not inevitable. You can take charge of your health.

  2. Take it slowly
    If you have a little weight to lose, you will see the benefits quickly. If you have a lot of weight to lose, be patient and keep going.


  3. Get help if you need to
    Contact your health authority if you need more support than you are currently getting.

  4. Think positively
    You have the power and, if you change your lifestyle, you will have the stamina to do it for you and your family.

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Shocking statistics

1
30,000 premature deaths a year may be caused by obesity

2
Around 1 million cases of Type 2 diabetes remain undiagnosed in Europe

3
70,000 new cases of cancer a year in Europe are attributable to being overweight

4
80,000 cancer cases a year in the UK are contributed to by diet

5
Obesity and diet-induced disease rival smoking as one of the major causes of preventable death