Obesity (Hansard, 11 February 2002)

§ Yvette Cooper

The most recent health survey for England, in 1999, showed that one in five adults suffers from obesity. The National Audit Office report: Tackling Obesity in England, published in February 2001, provides a comprehensive assessment on the levels of obesity in England. It found that obesity had nearly trebled in the last 20 years, and is responsible for 9,000 deaths each year, before the age of retirement. It also states that obesity is a risk factor for heart disease, cancer, stroke and type 2 diabetes. The most likely causes of obesity are identified as an increasingly sedentary lifestyle combined with changes in eating patterns.

Obesity is a complex condition, but is largely preventable through addressing diet and physical activity. We have therefore put in place major cross-Government programmes of work to address these factors. The NHS Plan, Cancer Plan and National Service Frameworks all prioritise action to improve diet and increase physical activity.

Also the National Service Framework for Diabetes, published in December 2001, recognises obesity as a modifiable risk factor for type 2 diabetes and that it will need to be the focus of prevention strategies for diabetes.

The Health Development Agency is currently reviewing the evidence on effective interventions to prevent obesity. Their report, to be published early this year, will provide the evidence base on what works. To support primary care trusts, we have also asked the Health Development Agency to develop a framework to support the development of programmes to prevent overweight and obesity.

Last year the National Institute for Clinical Excellence issued guidance on the anti-obesity drugs Orlistat and Sibutramine. Patients are prescribed these drugs to help them lose weight in combination with counselling and advice on diet and exercise.