News and Opinion
There are stories relating to obesity breaking around the world every day. The stories below are those where journalists haver sought NOF opnion/quotes or summaries of research on which NOF may have a view. Where possible the source of the stories are identified by the newspaper banner or a URL in red.
NOF Opinion will always be identified in italics.
NHS to tackle risky lifestyles
- Details
- Published on Saturday, 31 December 2011
Patients should be asked about their diet every time they see a health professional according to radical proposals by NHS advisers to tackle soaring rates of obesity. The NHS Future Forum, lead by a former Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, Professor Steve Field, wants health staff routinely to talk to patients about their lifestyle, even when they are suffering an unrelated illness, and offer them advice and help to become healthier.
Though some organisations have voiced fears that such interventions might stop patients seeking medical help in case they are asked questions they found uncomfortable, the National Obesity Forum [NOF] welcomes the proposal - particularly when the prevention of childhood obesity is concerned. Though THE GUARDIAN did not print a summary of an interview with NOF in its paper edition, it did include it on its online coverage. NOF described Field's initiative as a welcome start to 2012 and wanted to make the point that young children have routine GP/health professional check-ups. They should be used sensibly to assess weight gain and, when concerning, interventions offered. The Child Growth Foundation has ready a protocol in place which health professionals should follow.