Tackling the problem of obesity?

Recent statistics from the National Audit Office have revealed that obesity in England has tripled since 1980, with one in five adults now classed as obese. What can be done to solve this problem throughout the UK? This issue will be explored in a free public lecture at the University of Teesside on Wednesday 2 May at 6.30pm. Entitled ‘Tackling the Problem of Obesity in the UK,’ the lecture is part of the University’s Public & Professorial Lecture series, and will take place in the Europa Building, Woodlands Road, Middlesbrough.

The lecture will be delivered by Dr Carolyn Summerbell, Reader in Human Nutrition at the University and a State Registered Dietician. Dr Summerbell has explored the subject of obesity for 15 years, and has recently appeared on BBC Two’s ‘Close up North’ and ‘Home Ground’ to discuss the issue. Footage from the programmes will be screened during the lecture.

Dr Summerbell said: “I’ll be looking at why people become obese, the prevalence of obesity, and why obesity is psychologically and physically harmful for people. I’ll also be focusing on the treatments available for children as well as adults.

“The overwhelming evidence is that a lack of physical activity contributes to obesity. If you are not overweight you need to maintain an active lifestyle to avoid those excess pounds creeping on as you get older. However, if you are already overweight you need to eat fewer calories and increase your exercise levels. One problem is the lack of standardised treatment for obesity across the country, as identified in the National Audit Report on obesity published recently. Doctors and nurses deliver very different treatments, primarily because they haven’t all received training in this area when they were qualifying.”

Refreshments will be available from 6pm. For more details on the lecture please contact Mark White in the University’s Vice-Chancellor’s office on 01642 342012.

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