Obesity ‘must be tackled on a holistic basis’

Encouraging weight loss among those in the UK suffering from obesity will require a wide-ranging and holistic approach, according to an expert.

Susannah Gilbert of UK-based obesity support service Big Matters has called for the introduction of a nationwide standard for the support offered to those seeking to lose weight for health reasons.

It would encompass the provision of support groups for those struggling with the condition, as well as emotional guidance to deal with the self-esteem and confidence issues which are often associated with obesity.

The comments come in response to public health minister Anne Milton’s suggestion to BBC News that healthcare practitioners use the term “fat” rather than “obese” in a bid to motivate patients to lose weight.

However, Ms Gilbert said that focusing on this may be a misleading approach, as the majority of obese people are “very aware” of their condition regardless of the language used.

She added: “Unless there is a lot of positive support available for people through the whole weight loss journey, many of the underlying issues will remain.”