Diet and Obesity in the UK
This ESRC fact sheet gives an overview of diet and obesity in the UK. It is designed to introduce the topic rather than be a comprehensive summary.
During the last 25 years, the rate of obesity has quadrupled in the UK. In England alone, 22 per cent of men and 23 per cent of women were classified as clinically obese in 2002, while 43 per cent of men and 34 per cent of women were overweight. This means that over half of all adults weigh more than their recommended weight. In the USA obesity rates increased from 15 per cent of the population in 1980 to 31 per cent in 2000 [1]. In Canada, almost 50 per cent of the population is either overweight or obese [2]. Fifty-six per cent of adults and 27 per cent of children in Australia are either overweight or obese [3].
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) there has been a three-fold rise in obesity rates in many European countries since the 1980s [4], and if the prevalence of obesity continues to increase at the current rate, 150 million adults in Europe will be obese by 2010 [5].
Obesity is measured by Body Mass Index (BMI) scale. This takes into account a person’s weight and height [6]. A person is considered to be obese if they have a BMI of 30 or above, and overweight if their BMI is between 25-30 [7]. According to a report from 2002, Europe has one of the highest average BMIs (26.5) of all the WHO regions [8]. However, BMI is slightly confusing as athletes with a lot of muscle (which weighs more than fat) would also register a high BMI score.
kimmer – according to the WHO figures Americans are slightly more obese than people in the UK but are about the same as Canadians.
the study figures go across all racial boundries. I personally know many obese non-whites.
nibby – very good answer!

Have they (especially anti junk food policies) been successful in reducing obesity rates among children/adolescents.
If they have or have not can you PLEASE provide me with credible sources or statistics supporting your answer?
(Debate class project)

Thanks!!!!!

What are some ways our society as a whole can reverse or improve the obesity rates in americans these days?

According to the Surgeon General, obesity rates in rural America are higher than those in urban areas. Anyone who has taken a cross-country road trip has seen this first hand. Do you have a productive public policy suggestion that may reduce obesity rates in rural America? All suggestions are welcome.

Why is it that these days fast food, cakes, fizzy drinks, candy bars etc are now consumed much more?

All the kids at my school are always stuffing their faces with chips, coke/energy drinks and chocolate bars for breakfast.

Childhood obesity rates here are one of the highest in the Western world!

And wtf is up with banning playground games???