A recent study from the World Health
Organization (WHO) has revealed that UK
obesity rates are set to continue rising for the foreseeable future, with many
experts branding the rise as approaching crisis stage. Additionally, and in
accordance with what many experts have already suggested, there is very little
that can be done to prevent such a crisis from occurring.

The figures, which took into account figures and
trends from across Europe, predict some shocking statistics which will see 89%
of Irish men and 77% of Greek men overweight by 2030. Many countries can
apparently expect to see over half of their adults above the healthy weight
limit and the trend seems likely to be the case for the majority of European
nations.

Current statistics show that the number of
overweight or obese people in the UK is already at a worrying level, with the
number of obese adults rising from around 13% in 1993 to just over a quarter in
2013. Perhaps more alarmingly, the number of people who were overweight –
including those already forming the obesity statistic – rose by around 10%
between males and females within the same time.

The WHO report was based on a
variety of figures and trends, and is in part based on the UK rate of obesity
in children, which actually shows the younger generation as having higher BMIs
than their parents.

Even countries that usually record lower obesity
figures are predicted to see a rise, with just over a quarter of Swedish men
projected to be obese by 2030 compared to just 14% now, and with the rate
rising from 12% to 22% for women.

A team of researchers approached the diet experts at a UK based online clinic (121doc) to ask them a little
bit about obesity, and they replied with some useful information: "A surprising
number of people do not actually understand the difference between being
overweight and being obese, and the distinction is
important – even though, in most cases, both are best avoided. A body mass
index (BMI) of over 25 places a person in the overweight category, whereas
anyone with a BMI of over 30 is considered obese. It is incredibly important
that people do react to this crisis as much as possible because, as well as the
obvious concerns that come with being overweight or obese, there is a serious
risk of developing other conditions like diabetes if the excess weight is not
curbed."

Many experts have – both in the past and in light
of the WHO statistics – pointed to a lack of action as being to blame, but have
equally pointed out that taking action against something like obesity is
incredibly difficult. Although information about the risks involved with an
unhealthy weight have been widely publicised in recent years, it is still
considered as an area in public health that needs focused and deliberate
improvement.

The majority of medical evidence supports lifestyle
changes as the most effective way to handle the obesity crisis, and diet and
exercise are recommended by all good health agencies. Of course, as mentioned,
putting the theory into practise can be incredibly difficult, especially given
the continuing rise of the modern sedentary society.