Fat USA: Tackling the obesity epidemic

Obesity rates in Britain are soaring with one in five adults now classed as clinically obese.

Despite Government warnings that we are turning into a nation of couch potatoes and risking obesity-related illnesses such as heart disease and cancer, our waistlines keep growing.

But what can be done to tackle the obesity health timebomb? We take a look at the statistics, the causes and what we need to do as a nation to fight the flab.

What is obesity?

A person is classed as obese when their weight has increased to a point where it seriously endangers their health.

Obesity is diagnosed when a person's Body Mass Index (BMI)exceeds 30. BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilogrammes by
height in metres squared.

Use our health calculator to work out your BMI

Obesity statistics

The Government has issued warnings that Britain is on the verge of an obesity epidemic. But what do the statistics say? Take a look at our facts and figures: • What can be done about obesity? • Weight Loss Pills • Controlling How Much You Eat • Obesity becomes the norm

What are the causes?

Obesity is normally caused by a combination of eating too much of the wrong types of food and not taking enough exercise. We take a look at the contributing factors: • Medical Reasons for Obesity • Bumper portions = obesity • Found - the obesity gene • Overweight? Blame your parents

Obesity related illnesses

Research has shown that being overweight or obese increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer. Read more about the side-effects: • 80,000 cancer cases caused by diet • Cancer threat of obesity • The UK's cholesterol crisis • Diabetes cases 'to double by 2010'

Childhood obesity

It is not only adults that are affected by obesity. Worrying research has shown that 24 per cent of children aged between two and 15 are now obese. Read our reports to find out more: • One in ten children are obese • Rise of the overweight child • • •