About the National Obesity Forum
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- Published on Tuesday, 18 October 2011
The National Obesity Forum [NOF] was established in May 2000 to raise awareness of the emerging epidemic of obesity and the effect that it was going to have on both individuals and the NHS. Try as the NOF might to urge government to introduce bold action to stem the problem, the Labour Administration [1997-2010] failed to come up with any meaningfuol initiative. Unfortunately it would appear from the first strategy document produced by the Coalition [Oct 13th 2011] that firm action is still some way away.
Unless bold action is taken - and quickly - the predictions of the Foresight Report [2007] may surely come to pass with 60% of the UK population being overweight/obese with a loss to the xchequer of some £50bn per annum. This situation should not be tolerated either at national level or local level where obese patients of to-day might develop non communicable diseases to-morrow. Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular problems, some cancers, hypertension and premature death may all be consequencies of morbid obesity.
The NOF is particularly concerned with the lack of focus on prevention. Unless measures are introduced to address the root causes of obesity - now regarded as being evident even before birth - the problem will never be solved. It may still take a generation to achieve.
NOF 2012 Annual Conference - 28 November 2012
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- Published on Friday, 06 July 2012
The National Obesity Forum is pleased to announce that the 8th Annual Conference is taking place on 28 November at the Royal College of Physicians. This exciting event is designed to explore the complexity of the obesity epidemic and highlight some of the latest progress in the prevention and control of the condition. In addition you will be given the opportunity to learn from leading national experts and colleagues from other disciplines, and discuss hot topics and current issues – such as the impact of the changing NHS on our decision-making and the care we provide, multidimensional approaches to weight management and the future of obesity treatment.
For further information and to book a place please visit http://www.diabetesonthenet.com/events/national-obesity-forum-national-conference-2012/2012-11-28-562
If you would like to exhibit at this conference, please contact Meadbh Metrustry on 0207 9609611 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Low calorie sweeteners and its role in weight management
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- Published on Tuesday, 23 April 2013
Consumption of low calorie sweeteners (LCSs) is increasing, but questions remain around their role as a potential tool for weight management. The existing evidence regarding the effect of LCSs on energy balance, appetite, food intake and glycaemic response, and their role in weight management was recently reviewed during a roundtable meeting of representatives from the National Obesity Forum.
The key conclusions and practical tips around the effective use of LCSs in weight management for healthcare professionals, as discussed during the meeting, form a new discussion document by the Forum. The document, entitled “The role of low calorie sweeteners in weight management: Evidence and practicalities”, summarises the evidence for the use of LCSs in weight management while also addressing some of the common misunderstandings surrounding their use. In summary, the evidence reviewed suggests that LCSs are an appropriate tool for weight management with few, if any, discernable negative effects and some potential benefits.
The document was published as a supplement to this month’s edition of Diabetes Digest, and a PDF version can be obtained by clicking here.
The complete list of papers reviewed by the authors for the purposes of this supplement can be accessed here.
Acknowledgement: This document and the roundtable meeting of the authors upon which it is based were supported by Thirst for Knowledge, an educational initiative for healthcare professionals funded by Coca-Cola Great Britain. If you would like to receive updates on other Thirst for Knowledge initiatives, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .