Have our eating habits got out of control?

IF looks at what could happen if Britons continue to overeat and examines the strains it would put on our health services.

The UK Health Secretary John Reid has called for a national debate on the roles that individuals, government, public services and industry can play in tackling obesity.

If you would like to send your views, opinions and comments to the government directly, you can send an e-mail to this address: choosing.health.consultation@doh.gsi.gov.uk

This online discussion has now closed.

I lost three stones in weight three years ago and have not put on any weight. There was no magic cure, it took me six months to lose the weight and ever since, I have had to balance my diet and exercise. I don't even have to think about what I eat now as I know if I have too much one day, I eat less the next or exercise more. I think people are too lazy now and want everything right away without having to put the work in.
Alan, Falkirk

Yes, it is a complex problem with many difficult facets, but there are some simple starters that would help: All school meals should be simple, fresh and nourishing: no chips, pizzas, burgers, etc and very little choice, so hungry children have to eat what is there.

Remarks such as those from Paul from Leeds do not help. Such arrogance is not constructive Roger K, Luton

At least an hour a day of school time should be devoted to sport (when I was at school the younger children had the first half of the afternoon, the older ones the second half - and we went home at 4.30). Sensible education in food values and cookery should be given to all children throughout their school years.

All of this might mean re-thinking the national curriculum, but that might not be such a bad idea either.
Sally, London

Most people are too lazy to check out the quality and energy value of the foods they eat. And thanks to the march of progress, nobody wants to walk anymore. In fact no one can. We have to commute by car or train for an hour or so just to get to work, then we sit behind a desk for the whole day, except for when we waddle off to buy some high energy (high glycemic index) product.

Basically, from an evolutionary point of view, our lifestyle is completely incompatible with what we are designed to do, i.e. run around hunting and gathering, doing battle, building, etc.

The sooner we try and reverse the damage brought upon us through the negative spin-offs of industrialisation, the better it will be for all of us.
Chuck Kotze, Cape Town

The issues around food are complex.

I was raised in a generation where it was frowned upon for you to leave anything on your plate. Even now children are often bullied into clearing their plates by adults.

However, like other things, food is often used as a support for many people with emotional issues. It is possible to help people who are in this situation.

Remarks such as those from Paul from Leeds do not help. Such arrogance is not constructive and actually adds to the issues some people face, especially those with body image issues. If a very overweight person goes to the gym, imagine all the staring they have to put up with. It is very intimidating. It is the emotional side which needs help first.

Sadly we live in a society where consumerism is king. We are bombarded with advertising for food which is quite often unhealthy. While this exists and while governments are influenced by big business, real effective education on healthy eating will not be allowed to happen.

Finally, to Paul, fat people pay taxes too!
Roger K, Luton

Suggesting the government should take action is not the same as saying the obesity epidemic is the government's fault. It is simply recognising that one of the government's roles is to protect the wellbeing of its citizens, whatever the origins of the problem.

To those who advocate self-control, you are right, but only partly so. It is a lot easier to exercise self-control if you are not constantly being bombarded with offers of cheap, tasty, high-calorie foods. Hence placing limits on the advertising or availability of high-fat, high-sugar food would have an effect on obesity, as would encouraging people to walk and cycle more.

Eat in moderation and work out, if there is no time for the gym then work out at home Kee Louis, London

The origins of obesity are complex; the super-abundance of calorific food and low-activity lifestyle are not what we evolved to live with. The best route to overcoming the problem has got to be a combination of education, greater availability of healthy food, less pushing of calorific food, as well as personal choice to eat less and move more.
Barbara, Wirral

Food should be fun. Food is to be enjoyed regardless of what it is. There is no need to eat like a rabbit and I hate being out with my girlfriends when they refuse to order a desert because it is "too fattening". Eat in moderation and work out, if there is no time for the gym then work out at home. Understand that if you eat so called "bad food" and don't work out, weight gain is inevitable.
Kee Louis, London

I see that you have had to be a bit more upfront about the "mix of fact and fiction". I am sorry to say that the BBC seems to have lost its way, the series was at best an attempt to sensationalise subjects for viewing figures.

I am not someone who holds the BBC as a standard bearer for news, etc, but I do remember when the BBC offered an alternative intelligent take on the world and its many foibles. Please stop leading a nation unable to think for themselves and show a bit of integrity!
Dan, Luton

Has society lost its compassion? Now, it is the overweight who have become target for derision all in the name of a tax break. Maybe these people should try and understand the psychological reason why some people overeat instead of assuming that it is simply greed.
Rich, Manchester

"Healthy eating" is something that people are confused about. Our society has become so obsessed with quick fix diets that people are unsure what is, and isn't good for them now.

Perhaps a rule of thumb would be to try and eat foods which are fresh and natural i.e. don't come from a box and haven't been tampered with in any way. This should eliminate the majority of junk food from our diet. This does require some time and effort though and perhaps a basic education in how to prepare food without the use of the microwave!

Whilst I am sure there are lots of bigger people who have a far less healthy lifestyle than I, I find it unacceptable to be stereotyped as being "bleating", "whining" or "cramming grease down" Jez Williams, London

Coupled with daily exercise - even just walking to work or school we could become a much healthier nation. It would be helpful if the media were not so fixated with appearances and what is and isn't beautiful but let's face it - that's always been the case. Perhaps being healthy and happy with yourself could become the new sexy?
Karen Smith, Felixstowe

The answer is simple. The people who want to over-eat can do this at their own risk. The sensible thin people at the end of the day, will not pay taxes for them to go to hospital.

My advice to all of those people is to cut down to half a plate of salad at meals and take regular exercise.
Lucy Rice, Ascot

The rise in obesity can be attributed to a combination of two factors. The first is our natural biological drive to eat and the second is the sedentary society in which we live.

Obesity is not a disease it is the symptom of these two factors. Since the biological factor has always been and will remain, surely we should focus on the social factor?
James Hayward, Bournemouth

I'm currently overweight. I eat healthily, and never processed food, exercise everyday, and am losing weight albeit very slowly.

Whilst I am sure there are lots of bigger people who have a far less healthy lifestyle than I, I find it unacceptable to be stereotyped as being "bleating", "whining" or "cramming grease down".

I sometimes get insulted in the street, including during my walk to the gym.

I have never smoked and don't drink, but wouldn't dream of insulting smokers - just suggesting they get support to kick their addiction.

Lots of us pick up bad habits and addictions in response to the stresses of life (that's what happened to me, I loathe cheeseburgers!), and we should be respectfully encouraging each other to overcome them, not picking on the more visible members of society.
Jez Williams, London

I have no sympathy for people who are gorging themselves on junk food. We have all known, for many years that we need a healthy diet and exercise, otherwise we get fat.

Every individual should be 100% responsible for their own diet Robbie, Dublin

If people choose to ignore this it is their own fault. How can being fat be classed as a disability? It disgusts me that these people are literally being paid to sit at home and stuff their faces - and I'm paying for it!

Wake up world! Stop feeling sorry for selfish gluttons who only care about where the next pies are coming from!
Hazel David, Aylesbury

It seems to be the culture in the UK to look to the government for solutions. Individuals have to take responsibility for their own lives and do something about whatever problem or obstacle confronts them. Furthermore, why should I as a taxpayer pay for obesity-related illness (or smoking or drinking-related illness)?
M Halsall, London

Obesity treatment of any description should not be paid by the tax-payer. Every individual should be 100% responsible for their own diet.

You are the person putting junk in your mouth and you are the person not burning off the excess calories.

The food industry are there to make profit and why not? I like junk food and I eat like a horse, but at least I have the sense to exercise and eat a balanced diet as well.

The problem should be addressed by government, schools and parents together, teaching healthy lifestyles, alternatives to fast food, and how to cook a cheap healthy meal Graham, Luton

I hate this rubbish of fat people saying they're happy with their weight. Nonsense - I was over 17st and was far from happy. It's time overweight people realised it's their responsibility to maintain healthy weight and diet and stop blaming governments or food industries.
Robbie, Dublin

One comment on the programme was that buying fruit and vegetables was expensive. So many people buy ready made meals or visit fast food outlets.

I do not own a freezer or microwave, I visit my local supermarket and market every other day and buy fresh fruit and vegetables and meat. I do not spend more than �10 per week on food.

I make all my own meals from scratch, never buy ready meals, I cannot remember the last time I ate chips or chocolate. My only food vice is cheese! I feel perfectly healthy, and have money to spend on other things. Being disciplined in both your eating and exercising, whilst difficult for a while, becomes both easier and enjoyable.

The problem should be addressed by government, schools and parents together, teaching healthy lifestyles, alternatives to fast food, and how to cook a cheap healthy meal. Exercise in schools should also be given greater emphasis from an earlier age. Government also need to take steps in preventing food companies from entering into school life as soon as possible.
Graham, Luton

I watched tonight's programme with some dismay. I felt that fat people were being demonised and made to feel unworthy. I myself suffer from an eating problem (anorexia) and know that food can be turned to in times of emotional distress whether it be starving or overeating. Maybe we need to look at the underlying issues that are causing us to use food in this way?
Sarah Smith, Lingfield

A problem I can see is today in schools there are no or little classes on cooking compared to when I was at school. Kids nowadays do not have a clue how to cook from scratch, to them from scratch is heating it in the microwave instead of picking it up from a takeaway, what will happen when they have children, it's all to do with education.
Simon, Spalding

Using this programme to highlight the growing prevalence of obesity was very effective - however the way in which it addressed the issues behind obesity was very disappointing.

It's when people start to see food as either crutch or enemy that eating disorders develop Roberta, London

The programme was heavily biased, with virtually all the so-called 'expert' views blaming the entire epidemic on food manufacturers. The causes behind obesity are complex. Very little attention was given to lack of exercise in the population (we all know that to put on weight you take in more calories than you burn off).

There was no consideration to factors such as increasing demand for convenience and immediate foods; the quantities of food consumed, rather than quality of individual foods; apathy of the population (in response to continuous health scares); psychological issues such as depression, parental impact on child health and behaviour etc. Lastly, I believe there is no such thing as a bad food, only a bad diet. One doughnut now and then isn't going to kill! you - but 20 a day might!
Natasha Bye, Bath

I think we have all fallen victim to a society in which greed is reviled and yet rewarded. Food companies, even "healthy" ones, play on the fact that the basic human impulse is to eat as much as possible. Add with the self-hatred people feel upon realising that they cannot possibly match up to the emaciated ideal of beauty, it's no wonder so many people punish themselves by bingeing or seek solace in foods which aren't good for them.

I can't think of a real solution to this problem, except that all parents should give their children an honestly balanced diet - neither banning all sweet or fatty foods from the house nor relying too much on junk - and place as little emotional, psychological importance on foodstuffs as possible. I think it's when people start to see food as either crutch or enemy that eating disorders develop.
Roberta, London

I have just watched tonight's program on obesity. What a complete disappointment. Where was the advice to exercise? I am all for government backing such initiatives, but it has to be a combination of state-sponsorship and self-motivation.
Ian Johnson, London

You are what you eat we need to help people chose a healthier lifestyle before it's too late for them.
Rob, Devon

Watching this makes me want to exercise
Chris, Bath

The answer is obvious, bring back rationing so we all eat what the experts say we should Peter Cowan

I think a big part of the problem is peoples' attitudes towards food. I am personally lucky enough to have a good relationship with food, coming from a home where meals were healthy and homemade. Takeaways are a rare treat.

If children are growing up in such a junk food-orientated environment, they will grow up to know no different than to eat unhealthily.
Kerry Hewitt, Kent

In a country which is supposed to be free, what right do the government have to tell people how they should live their lives? If people are happy with how they are, then they should be left alone.

While it is true some people want help, many are happy as they are and should not be victimised. The government condemning obesity will only increase the prejudice.

Surely in the end it is up to the individual as to how they live their life. All we are doing is moving towards a dictatorship where life's pleasures are being wiped out.
Greg

The government should stop dishing out money in the form of tax credits. If people were not able to afford junk food they would not get fat.
John, Stockport

The obesity phenomenon is spiralling out of control in countries such as the US and England. You hardly come across an obese person in South America or Africa. Have you ever wondered why? Think about it...
Carlos, Villa Mar�a , Argentina

I think this is the most offensive programme I have ever seen. Any person with a weight problem may feel as hated as a terrorist from this sort of rubbish being broadcast. This is not what I pay my licence fee for.
Julia, South Wales

This really hit home. I'm not obese and after tonight's programme I never will be.
Liz, Northern Ireland

Eat what you fancy in moderation and exercise.
Jo

Another symptom of how horrific our modern western society has become.
Faith, Norwich

It is food or cigarettes, alcohol or drugs. Depression and a society obsessed with consuming are to blame.
Ross, Cambridge

Diet clubs should have lower prices for people on benefit.
Tracey

My daughter, who is 9, is fit, healthy and has a wonderful slim figure. She did very well in her times tables test at school on Tuesday and her reward was a 300g bar of chocolate! This wasn't the best prize. Another girl who did well in her mixed times tables got an enormous Easter egg.

I do my best as a parent to inform my children of the benefits of healthy eating and good diet without being too obsessive. Now I find that school is undermining my opinions about health, diet and good teeth by giving away chocolate as an incentive for learning times tables. I'm appalled!
Julie Bentley, Manchester

The answer is obvious. Bring back rationing so we all eat what the experts say we should.

Alternatively, much higher taxes on processed foods, ban the advertisement of them, enforce litter laws and such like around fast food outlets (at the same time making the outlet responsible for litter) and bring in a 'fat tax'. Charge people for every kilogram they are overweight.
Peter Cowan, London

Perhaps we all need to take an extra few minutes in the supermarket to read those labels and find out exactly what we are putting into our bodies Alexa, Birmingham

People are quick to blame the government when they are buying the junk.
Stefan, London

Teach people to cook with fresh food and to know what they are putting in their mouths and to take responsibility for ourselves.
Dave, Birmingham

Sweet things are offered as a reward for children. This gives out the wrong message from an early age.
James, Norfolk

We often don't know what we are eating and manufacturers don't want to tell us. The nutritional information on the backs of packets is getting better but people don't know what the figures mean or how their portion sizes compare to the values on the packets.

Education would help. Children need to be taught about food in detail and how to eat healthily. I think that classes need to be taken around the supermarket and show how to shop to eat properly.

And perhaps we all need to take an extra few minutes in the supermarket to read those labels and find out exactly what we are putting into our bodies.
Alexa, Birmingham

We have become the "It's not my fault" society.

When I was 15 years old I was very fat. My parents were in denial and told me it was a problem with glands. I knew better and started a diet and workout routine.

That was 31 years ago. I am 46, can walk into any gym on this planet and be one of the strongest and fittest person in the room. It's all about eating the right foods and a commitment to exercise that in turn will bring incredible rewards.

Saying that the food industry is at fault is a typical lazy response from a fat person.
Stan Pribichevich, New York City, USA

The problem with the UK is that we follow the US model of worshipping the motor car, with drive though food outlets etc. People will drive half a mile to the newsagents! Only a few miles away is The Netherlands where most people walk and cycle everywhere - note the dramatic difference between the average Dutch waistline and an American's.

I am a 45 year old male, I cycle 12 miles to work and have a 30 inch waist and I like my beer. It's so simple, leave the car at home!
Simon Mason, Kingston upon Hull

We have to be careful not to blame individuals who are overweight when society and advertising is constantly pushing people to eat more and more.

There has to be a combination of initiatives, including addressing our long hours work culture to enable people to exercise more, as well as educating children from a young age about food and exercise.

We want a quick-fix to health and weight loss, and there is no such thing Alex, London

I have a fairly healthy diet and cook practically all my meals from fresh vegetables but I am not thin!

Friends of mine who never eat food or exercise are stick thin. It is not just about what size you are and we have to be careful not to foster low self-esteem in people like myself who will never fit into the mould of having the "perfect" body.
Kim, Manchester

I have just read the article about the woman with over eating problems - she stated that she has to use an enormous amount of will power and avoid trigger foods. I know the feeling - I wasn't as bad as she, but I had certain trigger foods (everything from chocolate to cereal) that would set me off. One bar/ bowl became 10.

The problem is that we don't have to exercise willpower anymore. There is a pill, a patch, a chewing gum or a therapy to get us "over" anything.

We have been weakened by these alternatives, and have forgotten how to use just our own strength of will to stop ourselves doing something that is bad for us.

We want a quick-fix to health and weight loss, and there is no such thing. It involves eating less food and exercising more. It's that simple and all we need is to dust off our willpower and stick to it!
Alex, London

Much of the problem is caused by the idea that everyone must work full-time. In the past most households would have had a person who could go and buy fresh cheap produce daily and make nutritious meals. Nowadays people grab a ready meal or takeaway on the way home from work.
Helen, Exeter

The obesity issue is complex, but one biological analogy remains true. Food is fuel, when you eat you are "filling up the tank", if you don't use all the fuel, but fill up again there is some left over! To loose weight burn more than you intake, it's hardly rocket science.

Whilst manufacturers of fast/convenience food are partially to blame for making food products with high saturated fat, sugar, salt and additives content, the assertion that people cannot afford to eat healthily is false.

The problem lies in teenagers not fully understanding exactly how bad a certain food can be for you Kate Bugler, Bristol

It is possible to prepare and eat a balanced healthy diet at low cost by utilising local produce and supporting local businesses such as markets and butchers.
Jason, Oxfordshire

I have just returned from Australia and one of the major things I noticed is the availability of healthier, wholesome, fresh foods at an affordable price. In fact, in Sydney for every fast food burger joint there were juice bars and healthy fast food outlets.

Tax on fast food may not be the best solution since although tax on smoking makes it an expensive habit it still is not the best or most effective deterrent.

Perhaps what we need is a more positive approach and more affordable healthy choices on the fast food market!
Rachel Jones, Storrington, West Sussex

I spent last year on a diet at the age of 23 and lost nearly four stone. This weight was put on gradually through my teenage years through lack of exercise and a bad diet.

The problem lies in teenagers not fully understanding exactly how bad a certain food can be for you. It wasn't until I joined weight watchers that I understood that pizza is a deadly sin! I thought that it was a little fatty but nothing like burger and chips.

What makes it worse is that some people are prone to put on weight easier than others, my family is a prime example, last year I saw my friends eating large meals and junk food and not putting on weight. This can become mentally depressing for people that cannot do this and cause them to eat even more.
Kate Bugler, Bristol

To all fat people: stop bleating and whining about fast food making you obese. It's you who's doing the eating. No-one is forcing you to cram the grease down.

Take some responsibility for your life, eat less, eat better, and get your lazy bodies down the gym. And thus save us all from increased taxes when you hearts pack up and you go crying to the NHS.
Paul, Leeds