Hospital admissions for obesity in England have risen by 60% in the last year and by 360% compared to five years ago, according to figures released by The NHS Information Centre. These latest figures coincide with the publication of YouGov research, commissioned by the British Society of Gastroenterology, which shows that young Brits (18-24 year olds) are unaware of the health issues obesity can cause. While most correctly identified the links with diabetes (80%) and high blood pressure (81%), less than a third knew it could cause cancer of the colon (28%).
A majority (59%) of 18-24 year olds were unaware of the link with infertility.
Young Brits who classify themselves as overweight, are also most likely to turn to hypnosis or pills to beat obesity than any other age group. Although a small portion of respondents answered this question, one third (34%) said they would turn to weight loss pills and one quarter (26%) to hypnosis if they were trying to lose weight.
Professor Chris Hawkey, president of The British Society of Gastroenterology, commented: “Obesity is a huge problem facing Britain with predictions showing it is only going to get worse. We consistently see statistics showing the number of obese cases rising year on year. But this is the first time that we have looked at people’s attitudes to this serious health issue. If people aren’t even aware of obesity’s wider health implications such as GI cancer, then they are never going to change their behavioural habits.
“The Department of Health has spent £75 million on its anti-obesity campaign and we need to question what more needs to be done. For young people, as a group that is most at risk, obesity is an issue that needs tackling in a serious manner before health issues turn into a pandemic costing our country a fortune and placing enormous pressure on the health service.”
