Obesity is as big a threat to UK women as TERRORISM, Britain's top doctor says

Obesity should be considered as serious as terrorism, says CMO report

OBESITY in Britain has been linked to TERRORISM by UK's most senior doctor in her annual report.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Professor Dame Sally Davies said the UK’s obesity crisis is so bad it should now being included in NATIONAL RISK plans, meaning it falls in to the same category as terrorism, flooding and major outbreaks of disease.

She has urged women to slim down in order to future-proof their health and that of their children and grandchildren.

Among 17 recommendations, the shocking report highlighted how much strain obesity is placing on the NHS and on society in general - citing that it’s even harming the country’s productivity.

‘The health of the 51%’ report also noted that HALF of women aged 34-44 and almost two-thirds of women aged 45-54 were alarmingly classified as overweight or obese in 2013.

 

CMO Dame Sally Davies explained women need to consider their future

Dame Sally said: ”Obesity has to be a national priority. Action is required across all of society to prevent obesity and its associated problems from shortening women's lives and affecting their quality of life.”

Men are also carrying too much weight - with 80 per cent of men aged 45-54 being classified as overweight or obese - but the senior doctor advised that women are often better placed in changing future habits for themselves and others.

Dame Sally highlights in the report that obesity often increases mortality risk in women, and increased the risk of of potentially fatal conditions like breast cancer and heart disease.

In addition, the first female CMO also revealed she wanted to “bust the myth” that women should eat for two in pregnancy, advising that a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables and avoiding alcohol should be the focus.

 

Poor food choices and inactivity are two causes

A woman’s health during pregnancy was paramount to the health of the child in later life. Research also suggests obesity can lead to a host of complications.

Dame Sally wants the report which may seem shocking to some to be a catalyst for change. She said: “This is a difficult message to convey, as it risks burdening women with guilt and responsibility, but I believe that it can also empower women to take positive steps like eating more healthily and taking more exercise.

“It is never too late to take action for a healthier lifestyle – for you and your family.”

The report also called for better treatment of ovarian cancer and a more open discussion on the issue of incontinence. An estimated 3-6 million people in the UK suffer with the bladder problem, say the NHS.

 

CMO Dame Sally Davies said it's never too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle

Another key theme running through the report was the need to place better safeguards for vulnerable women and girls. 

The CMO wants to “break the taboo” topics with “problems below the waist.”

Dr David Richmond, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), said: “We welcome this year’s report from the Chief Medical Officer, with a specific focus on women’s health. Not only does it provide clear recommendations for the NHS but for our College in particular on how to improve the care provided to women and girls, but it also raises awareness and brings to the fore conditions that are still surrounded by stigma and are frequently brushed aside.

“Present lifestyle factors such as maternal obesity, poor diet and nutrition, lack of physical activity, high levels of alcohol consumption, smoking and poor sexual health are the ticking time bomb that can dramatically impact upon a woman’s fertility and increase the risk of pregnancy complications, as well as the short and long-term health of both mother and baby.”