We have posted a couple of blogs about the link between climate change and obesity (the more people consume, the fatter they get and bigger their carbon footprint will be). It seems like the connection has definitely seeped into mainstream consciouness.
The UK Health Secretary, Alan Johnson, upon learning about the latest alarming rates of obesity in the country resorted to climate change to express the graveness of the situation, comparing both issues in terms of their catastrophic consequences. “We are facing a potential crisis on the scale of climate change and it is in everybody’s interest to turn things round,” he said.
According to the latest findings, half the British population will be obese in 25 years. About 86 per cent of men are expected to be overweight within 15 years against 70 per cent of women. Spending on supersized hospital equipment has increased by 45% since 2002.
It is true that fast food and a sugar-rich diet are leading the expansion of waistlines worldwide. But we cannot ignore the fact that people are more sedentary than ever. Our forebears ate fat food and remained slim because they exercised in their daily lives, either by walking, cycling or working in a way that was more physically demanding.
The good news is that the lifestyle changes involved in the fight against climate change will, by default, tackle the problem of obesity. Get on your bike, get a dog to walk with and eat less, preferably more nutritious, local organic produce and you will be making yourself and the planet healthier.
