Gastric bands.

In another attempt to defuse the obesity time bomb the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recommended a belt and bracers approach to the problem a 'gastric band' for all. The total cost of all these operations would be an outstanding £6 billion. Notwithstanding this sum, the cost benefit analysis on a longitudinal basis is a saving of monies over time for the Treasury. Nevertheless many will be of the opinion that these patients have only themselves to blame for this inexcusable malady. However in the circumstances in order to address the issue perhaps this is the only course of actions that is the 'least detrimental alternative'?
Why has this become an international health issue for all countries? There are many theories, but here are mine. In general a serious lack of regular and deliberate exercise, our lives are too sedentary - we don't walk to work, but take the car, train or bus, we are sitting working at computers too much of the time, children are not getting into a regular routine of exercise but sit in front of the TV or computer, too much 'grazing' between meals, coming home from school and a parents not being there and the kids snacking on crisps etc.  All this taken together makes for a combustive cocktail.
A delightful funny and absurd French film in 1973 that caused a sensation was the revolutionary La Grande-Bouffe (Blow Out) where the participants as the name suggests blow-up after eating a cornucopia meal that was so gargantuan.