Obesity
8.27 Obesity is associated with an increased risk of premature death and a wide range of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent) and complications in pregnancy and surgery, as reported by the Chief Medical Officer and the Auditor General. Estimates of obesity are derived using the Body Mass Index (BMI), which estimates an individual’s body fat based on their height and weight. A BMI of 30 or more suggests an individual is obese.
8.28 The National Audit Office estimates that one in four adults are obese. Obesity in men has nearly doubled in prevalence since 1993 (13% rising to 24% in 2004). For women the increase is slightly lower (16% rising to 24% from 1993 to 2004), (Health Survey for England 2004).
8.29 The 2002 Annual Report of the Chief Medical Officer showed that obesity prevalence is rising in England, including among children. Forecasts of obesity to 2010 prepared for the Department of Health (DH) suggest that the prevalence will continue to rise for adults and children.The Health Survey for England (2004) shows that among boys and girls aged 2-15, the proportion who were obese increased between 1995 and 2004. Among boys, 11% were obese in 1995 and 19% were obese in 2004. Among girls, 12% were obese in 1995 whereas 18% were obese in 2004 and 25% of all 11-15 year olds are now considered obese. Between 1995 and 2004 obesity in 11-15 year olds increased from 14 to 24% in boys and from 15% to 26% in girls. The proportion of men taking part in 30 minutes moderate exercise 5 or more times a week increased from 32% to 35% between 1997 and 2004 and from 21% to 24% for women during the same period.