Obesity threat to NHS ‘as grave as terrorism’

A public health expert has claimed the threat to Britain and the health service from rising rates of obesity is as serious as that from terrorism.

Professor David Hunter of Durham University has called on government ministers to take bold action on the issue, the BBC reports.

The adviser claims successive governments have not dealt with the problem decisively and urged bold action, such as forcing food manufacturers to alter the salt, fat and sugar content of the products sold to consumers.

Professor Hunter suggested the number of people with type II diabetes could double by 2025, overwhelming the NHS.

“The threat to our future health is just as significant as the current security threat,” he said.

“The government was quick to move for things like ID cards or 42-day detention without trial – now it needs to show similar leadership in public health.”

He added that much had been said by governments over the last 40 years, but not enough action had been taken.

Earlier this week, research from Orebro University hospital published on bmj.com suggested children with poor coordination skills could have a higher risk of becoming obese when they grow up.