The obesity timebomb in the UK and internationally.

The latest research by The McKinsey Global Institute has estimated that the annual cost to the UK economy is a staggering £47 billion more that the cost of international terrorism, and the armed forces put together. The four leading obese countries are the US, Mexico, South Africa and the UK. The long term problem is now becoming so important as the costs rise to such an extent. The longitudinal cost benefit analysis are increasing due to the side effects that obesity causes. These include - diabetes, heart attacks and strokes, high blood pressure, arthritis etc. The aetiology is very complex, but include a lack of regular energetic exercise, too much alcohol, bad diet, sedentary life style, smoking etc.
There has to be a different attitude to obesity - citizens should be rewarded for not being overweight and rewarded financial for keeping the pounds off. In addition operations should be fast tracked and offered for the those who are obese to restrict their food intake. Unless we are ruthless in this process then NHS will go bankrupt.