The male population in the UK is heading for a very unhealthy future, with predictions stating that 50% of British men could be obese by 2040. The rise in obesity levels would also mean rises in the risk of obesity related illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer, costing the NHS 320 billion if the predictions are allowed to become a reality.
In the last decade, obesity in UK males aged between 18 and 40 has doubled, from 10% in 1993 to 20% today. And if this figure is allowed to continue rising in the way it is, the expected figures for 2030 are a staggering 40%, and a chilling 50% by 2040.
The experts also expressed worries that the rise in obesity will ensue a rise in weight related health issues including heart disease, diabetes and cancer, costing the NHS a staggering 320 billion if it the prediction becomes a reality.
Tim Marsh of the National Heart Forum states that the younger generations are not entirely the culprits, as it is announced that 60% of British males aged between 40 and 100 are predicted to be obese by 2040. Marsh said despite the elder generations being affected by illnesses and issues that cannot be avoided with age, obesity is not one of them and should be prevented from rising in all age groups at this rate.
Experts have also emphasised the important role the youngest generation will play in our battle against obesity. Encouraging children to lead a healthy lifestyle and maintain a healthy diet will instil better habits for them in the future, and will also have an impact on the way their families live. The experts say the answer to this lies in better food labelling and healthier school meals, which will all come at a great cost to the education sector. But they point out that the investment will be a worthwhile one, as it will help to lower NHS costs and lead to healthier living for future generations.
In the last decade, obesity in UK males aged between 18 and 40 has doubled, from 10% in 1993 to 20% today. And if this figure is allowed to continue rising in the way it is, the expected figures for 2030 are a staggering 40%, and a chilling 50% by 2040.
The experts also expressed worries that the rise in obesity will ensue a rise in weight related health issues including heart disease, diabetes and cancer, costing the NHS a staggering 320 billion if it the prediction becomes a reality.
Tim Marsh of the National Heart Forum states that the younger generations are not entirely the culprits, as it is announced that 60% of British males aged between 40 and 100 are predicted to be obese by 2040. Marsh said despite the elder generations being affected by illnesses and issues that cannot be avoided with age, obesity is not one of them and should be prevented from rising in all age groups at this rate.
Experts have also emphasised the important role the youngest generation will play in our battle against obesity. Encouraging children to lead a healthy lifestyle and maintain a healthy diet will instil better habits for them in the future, and will also have an impact on the way their families live. The experts say the answer to this lies in better food labelling and healthier school meals, which will all come at a great cost to the education sector. But they point out that the investment will be a worthwhile one, as it will help to lower NHS costs and lead to healthier living for future generations.
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