Citation
Blades, M. (2003), "Editorial", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 33 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2003.01733aaa.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2003, MCB UP Limited
Editorial
As a nation we are getting fatter. Early in 2002 the National Audit Office showed that nearly two-thirds of men and over half of women in England are overweight or obese. Linked with this obesity are the problems of CHD, type 2 diabetes, joint problems, certain types of cancers, as well as psychological and social difficulties.
Not surprisingly, obesity in children and teenagers is escalating and children are getting fatter, with approximately 15 percent overweight and 5 percent obese. Disorders such as type 2 diabetes which was unknown in young people is now being seen in grossly obese adolescents.
Obesity is a complex problem with many contributing factors. The excess of food eaten over energy requirement by those who are obese is one of the main contributing factors.
No one wants children – or in fact adults for that matter – to follow strict diets excluding foods. As is so often said, there are no bad foods just bad diets. Excess of fatty and sugary foods can boost the energy intake beyond the energy requirements.
With so many articles in magazines and newspapers, as well as literature in supermarkets and at doctors' surgeries on a healthy diet and how to lose weight, one may be surprised that there seems such apparent ignorance about food and health. Also many foods are labelled as low fat or sugar reduced. So although individuals may choose not to heed advice they would be assumed to realise the type of foods which contribute to weight gain.
Unfortunately many people do not want to change their diet, despite being gravely overweight and having consequential health problems.
As a practising dietitian I find it amazing that people can be referred to me for advice on how to lose weight. They bother to actually attend an appointment and sit throughout munching a bag of crisps or sweets!
Then there are other individuals who say that they are constantly tempted to overeat because of the crisps, confectionery and other high calorie foods that they have to keep in the cupboard for their children or grand-children. When it is pointed out that these are not necessary for children, they look in amazement!
This all shows that there is much more information required on food and nutrition, as well as helping people to make those changes.
Mabel Blades