'With the universal availability of addictive fast food, it’s no wonder that children are becoming fatter and fatter,' argues a Telegraph reader - William Voon/EyeEm
The Only Way to Treat Obesity Is to Make People Understand that It Is a Self-Inflicted Wound’
By Candela Orobitg-Baena and Telegraph Readers
Obesity rates in Britain have been a problem that many have tried to tackle, through policies and strategies, yet all efforts seem to be futile. It has been estimated that by 2025 – which is a lot closer than it seems – two thirds of Britons will be overweight or obese.
Charlotte Lytton spoke to various specialists on the topic , which suggested giving power back to the consumer, GP commitment and strict policies when it comes to food companies.
Telegraph readers took to the comments section to share their concern for Britain’s obesity crisis and discussed what they believed to be the root of the problem and how to fix it.
‘One of the greatest myths floating around today is that eating well is expensive’
Telegraph reader William Kelly writes that “buying decent fresh vegetables and cooking meals in the age-old way is not only healthier than gorging on pizzas and burgers, it also happens to be cheaper”.
“One of the greatest myths floating around today – and recently reinforced by the Government arguing now is not the time to raise junk food prices – is that eating well is expensive.”
“People just need to grow up and face reality instead of falling back on so-called ‘convenience food’.”
Reader Jonathan Lloyd shares the same sentiment, arguing that “it is perfectly possible to cook a simple healthy dinner with fresh vegetables for less than a tenner”.
Over in Thailand, reader Colin Williams chimes in to the debate, describing how the food he has encountered on his travels is “fresh, full of flavor and nutrients and nothing is frozen or has additives” which, he believes is why, “there are very few fat people”.
So why do we continue to eat food that we know is not good for us? Reader Priya R believes laziness is the main problem when it comes to tackling obesity: “People have to stop complaining that they have no time to cook. If planned well, you can make a delicious meal in 30 minutes – which is your average takeaway waiting time anyway.”
Looking back, Telegraph reader Jill Davison describes how “as a child, I ate what was put in front of me” and compares it to present day, where not only “children are asked what they want to eat” but “parents give in to their demands”.
“It all starts at home. With the universal availability of addictive fast food, it’s no wonder that children are becoming fatter and fatter. And, of course, the parents are addicted too.”
‘Your health is your responsibility and if your problems are self-inflicted, it’s up to you to sort it out’
A closely linked point of the obesity debate is the idea of personal responsibility, with readers arguing that “everyone shies away from stating what we all know is true”.
Telegraph reader Wazi Wright says: “In my view, blaming food companies for people eating unhealthy foods is as much a cop out as blaming tobacco companies for people smoking.”
“Does anyone in this country really think that eating a doughnut is healthy? Is there anyone who is unaware that fresh vegetables are good for you? Everyone knows it,” he adds.
Many readers share the same sentiment. Reader John Greet believes “the public need to be told in no uncertain terms that your health is your responsibility and if your problems are self-inflicted, it’s up to you to sort it out.”
Similarly, reader Jack Jones states that “the only one way to treat obesity is to make people understand that it is the equivalent of a self-inflicted wound.”
Jack suggests that we should “require obese people to lose weight before any form of treatment related to obesity, particularly surgery” as he believes that “the NHS should not be wasting money treating excess food consumption.”
Additionally, he shares his frustration with disability badges for obese people: “Obesity is not a disability. As a chap in his mid-70s, who has worked on remaining reasonably fit, it irks me to see obese people parking in a blue badge space and waddling to the supermarket door.”
‘Obesity starts in school’
Telegraph readers suggest children should be taught 'how to cook real family meals from basic ingredients' - Andrew Parsons/Parsons Media
Some Telegraph readers believe that the root of the problem can be traced back to schools.
Reader Ali Hayes, who is a secondary school teacher, describes how he is “horrified by the choices the kids have in the canteen” which vary from “pizza to croissants and sausage sandwiches”.
“The obesity problem starts young. And unfortunately, because pupils are so sensitive nowadays, schools are too afraid to call out the problem,” Ali adds.
Within the topic of schools, Telegraph reader Stella Tidman suggests that they should “bring back proper home economics classes at school” where children can learn “how to cook real family meals from basic ingredients”.
“In my son’s food technology class, they use processed ingredients and one of the modules was on how to fit the most seats into a model of a fast-food outlet!” Stella shares in disbelief. - The Telegraph
