Although obesity is not a recent medical disorder, it is only in the late 20th Century that this condition has reached epidemic proportions in terms of its prevalence. The scale and speed of the growth in obesity suggests that, whilst certain genes might make certain individuals more prone to obesity, it is recent changes to diet and lifestyle, in combination with developments in the environment in which we live, that are fuelling today’s obesity problem.

Although obesity is not a recent medical disorder, it is only in the late 20th Century that this condition has reached epidemic proportions in terms of its prevalence. The scale and speed of the growth in obesity suggests that, whilst certain genes might make certain individuals more prone to obesity, it is recent changes to diet and lifestyle, in combination with developments in the environment in which we live, that are fuelling today’s obesity problem.

This report outlines some of the forces that have been driving this wide-ranging problem and addresses its implications, not only for the government, but also for those manufacturers who stand accused of encouraging one of the most significant health threats facing the population.

This report also examines how attitudes towards diet and health are affected by people’s weight and what consumers think the reasons for rising obesity are, the ways it can be combated and who the leading advisory authorities should be.

Key themes

Has the evolution of an increasingly industrialised food industry alienated the consumer from the concept of real food?

Modern technology has reduced physical activity levels, but how can consumers squeeze this back into their lives?

Will the government need to resort to more Draconian measures in order to achieve its healthy lifestyles targets?

Are consumers failing to recognise obesity in themselves and their families because they do not associate the term as being relevant to them?