Alarming new research published today announces that young Brits (18-24yrs) who classify themselves as overweight, are 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, [1] one third (34%) said they would turn to weight loss pills and one quarter (26%) to hypnosis if they were trying to lose weight.

The YouGov research, commissioned by the British Society of Gastroenterology aims to establish the public’s attitude towards obesity as the associated risks with obesity are becoming clearer.

Worryingly, the research shows that young Brits (18-24 year olds) are unaware of the health issues obesity can cause. Whilst 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.

Professor Chris Hawkey, President of The British Society of Gastroenterology states:

“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 £75million on their 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.”

The results are published as part of National Obesity Week, aimed at getting people to recognise that being overweight is a health issue and not just an issue of vanity. Professor David Haslam, Chairman and Clinical Director of the National Obesity Forum, the charity which initiated the awareness week, said:

“We have a time bomb here which has been building up gradually for a long time and I’m afraid we haven’t seen the worst of it. With two-thirds of adults and a third of children in England either overweight or obese, we need to take more serious action now.”

Statistics from the Government show that if we carry on as we are, by 2050 9 in 10 adults will be overweight or obese. The cost of overweight and obese individuals to the NHS is estimated to be £4.2 billion and is forecasted to more than double by 2050. The cost to the wider economy is £16billion, and this is predicted to rise to £50billion per year by 2050 if left unchecked.[2]

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

1. Out of 1959 respondents, 54 18-24 year olds classified themselves as overweight
2. Government figures taken from ‘Foresight: Tackling Obesities: Future Choices project’ 2007

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1959 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 11th -14th September 2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

About the British Society of Gastroenterology

The British Society of Gastroenterology is an organisation focused on the promotion of gastroenterology within the United Kingdom. It has over three thousand members drawn from the ranks of physicians, surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, scientists, nurses, dietitians, and others interested in the field. Founded in 1937 it has grown from a club to be a major force in British medicine.

About the National Obesity Forum

The National Obesity Forum (NOF) was established by medical practitioners in May 2000 to raise awareness of the growing health impact that being overweight or obese was having on patients and the National Health Service (NHS). The NOF is particularly concerned with the lack of focus on prevention and structured management of overweight and obese individuals in primary care and the knock-on effects this has on society. Obesity, as a disease, and as a social-economic issue, has widespread ramifications, not just for the health service, but also for industry, education and government. National Obesity Week runs from 2^nd to 8^th November and aims to encourage the population to check their weight and see if they are overweight or obese.

For further information please contact:

Richard Gardner or Jessie Winston at Quintus Communications on 0207 340 6260 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it