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Brits Plotting Battle of Bulge on Plumpies

Posted Oct 25, 07 3:49 AM CDT in Science & Health,  World 

(Newser) – Two sobering reports have frantic Brits casting about for ways to combat their obesity epidemic, reports the Christian Science Monitor. England is the fattest country in Europe and half of its population could be obese by 2050, the reports warn. Now the country is looking into everything from regulating junk food to requiring workplaces to provide daily exercise hours.

If the obesity rate becomes as bad as expected in 2050, the problem could cost England an estimated $90 billion a year. Experts attribute much of the problem to few opportunities for exercise combined with easy access to the worst kinds of food. Britain's health secretary warned that obesity could develop into a crisis "on the scale of climate change."

Source Christian Science Monitor

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In this Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007, file photograph, trays of carrot and celery sticks with low-fat ranch dip, orange slices and beef hot dogs with whole wheat buns sit in the cafeteria of an elementary school.   (Associated Press)
An overweight person is seen walking in London, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007. Britain's health secretary called Wednesday for a fundamental shift in the way the nation tackles obesity after a study said dramatic...   (Associated Press)
An overweight person eats in London, Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007. Britain's health secretary called Wednesday for a fundamental shift in the way the nation tackles obesity after a study said dramatic action...   (Associated Press)
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obesity  • England  • public health  • exercise  • obesity epidemic  • junk food  • healthy eating


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