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Scotland weighted down by obesity riseDate: 27/09/2007 09:29:51
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Obesity is becoming an increasingly pressing problem in Scotland, according to reports from the Scottish Public Health Observatory.
Figures now show that percentages of people north of the border who are seriously overweight now rival American levels, with women identified as the most likely to develop serious weight-related health issues.
Costing the NHS record ammounts in Scotland, obesity now affects over 25 per cent of people, second only to the 32.2 per cent in America and three per cent higher than rates in England.
The most recent figure for which NHS costs are available is 2001, where obesity is estimated to have cost the NHS £171 million in Scotland alone, with numerous cases of high blood pressure, as well as type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis and even gout being linked to weight problems.
Though levels of obesity for men are roughly equivalent either side of the border, the report has shown that women, particularly those aged between 35 and 44 years, are more prone to weight issues in Scotland.
Concerns, however, are most acute in regard to young people's health, with new SNP schools minister, Adam Ingram, welcoming the prospect of catching the development of weight problems earlier through healthier school dinners and better health advice.
Mr Ingram said: "By targeting our youngest citizens we can make a lasting difference. Putting healthy options on a plate for pupils every day will develop their taste for the food that's good for them and stop unhealthy habits from taking hold."
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