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»: World Health Survey: UK Lags Last in BMI Index
UK holds the undesirable position of having only 32% of its population at an optimum BMI i.e. less than 25. This trails behind America and any of the other wealthy developed nations. National Health bodies are calling for immediate action by the Government, the Food Industry and Health Professionals to avert what has been described as a national “Globisity” epidemic. The condition is of global proportions but most prevalent in the UK and America although some of the wealthier developing countries such as Columbia are experiencing a growing incidence of the problem. One notable exception to the trend is Japan where there is a comparable economic wealth as UK and America and yet the percentage of people that are below the threshold BMI index of 25 stands at 68.90% compared with America (35.1%).
Many of the major lethal conditions that plague western civilization such as cardio vascular arrest, cancer of the breast, colon and endometriosis are linked to being overweight.
It is recognized that environmental factors play a part such as income, education and employment though analysis does reveal that the economic relationship is not as direct as might be supposed. Middle class families are also susceptible to the condition even though they have greater access to information and a greater variety of healthy food.
WHO also state that core causes of the condition are very much in the lifestyle choices made by individuals. Factors such as: convenience foods, inactive lifestyles, child nutrition and to a degree hereditary influences are major issues that need to be dealt with.
Their recommendations to individuals are to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, avoid fatty food and to exercise moderately at least 30 minutes per day. The condition is preventable but is subject to individual personal health commitment, educational investment and healthier solutions by the food manufacturing industry.
At present research points to the fact that in many cases even when information is present, as in wealthier layers of the population, many people choose to ignore it and to continue unhealthy eating patterns coupled to inadequate physical exercise. Much of the focus needs to be aimed at young people with positive initiatives such as cookery lessons and sports being presented in a way that is acceptable to youngsters. One example shows that many schoolgirls drop out of school sports as it is seen as “uncool”, part of the solution has been to identify what makes it so and change accordingly. In this case promising results have been from changing the uniform worn at school sports to something more fashionable and to change the sports that are played.
If present trends are not thwarted the Department of Health prediction is that by 2010 around 6.6 million men will be obese compared to 6 million women in the UK.
What Next?
So, considering bariatric surgery? Then why not consider weight loss surgery abroad with BBC Direct (Bodies Beautiful Clinics Direct). BBC Direct can offer a full range of weight loss procedures, such as gastric balloon prague, and lap band abroad, but please remember, try the natural way first, good diet and exercise.
Need free advice, not sure of your options, then please give BBC Direct a call,
Lines are open 7 days, from early until late.
Help is only a call away.
UK 0845 686 5005
Have a Gastric Band / Lap Band Fitted?
Please remember to have any fill removed / reduced during pregnancy to ensure you can provide your unborn with all the nutrients needed during your pregnancy.
World Health Survey: UK Lags Last in BMI Index
UK holds the undesirable position of having only 32% of its population at an optimum BMI i.e. less than 25. This trails behind America and any of the other wealthy developed nations. National Health bodies are calling for immediate action by the Government, the Food Industry and Health Professionals to avert what has been described as a national “Globisity” epidemic. The condition is of global proportions but most prevalent in the UK and America although some of the wealthier developing countries such as Columbia are experiencing a growing incidence of the problem. One notable exception to the trend is Japan where there is a comparable economic wealth as UK and America and yet the percentage of people that are below the threshold BMI index of 25 stands at 68.90% compared with America (35.1%).
Many of the major lethal conditions that plague western civilization such as cardio vascular arrest, cancer of the breast, colon and endometriosis are linked to being overweight.
It is recognized that environmental factors play a part such as income, education and employment though analysis does reveal that the economic relationship is not as direct as might be supposed. Middle class families are also susceptible to the condition even though they have greater access to information and a greater variety of healthy food.
WHO also state that core causes of the condition are very much in the lifestyle choices made by individuals. Factors such as: convenience foods, inactive lifestyles, child nutrition and to a degree hereditary influences are major issues that need to be dealt with.
Their recommendations to individuals are to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, avoid fatty food and to exercise moderately at least 30 minutes per day. The condition is preventable but is subject to individual personal health commitment, educational investment and healthier solutions by the food manufacturing industry.
At present research points to the fact that in many cases even when information is present, as in wealthier layers of the population, many people choose to ignore it and to continue unhealthy eating patterns coupled to inadequate physical exercise. Much of the focus needs to be aimed at young people with positive initiatives such as cookery lessons and sports being presented in a way that is acceptable to youngsters. One example shows that many schoolgirls drop out of school sports as it is seen as “uncool”, part of the solution has been to identify what makes it so and change accordingly. In this case promising results have been from changing the uniform worn at school sports to something more fashionable and to change the sports that are played.
If present trends are not thwarted the Department of Health prediction is that by 2010 around 6.6 million men will be obese compared to 6 million women in the UK.
Still not able to lose weight / regain you figure ?
The two main bariatric procedures at this time are the Gastric Balloon Surgery (BIBs), and the Adjustable Gastric Band (Lap Band Surgery).
More radical, permanent (non reversible procedure) procedures which are common, are the Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Wrap and Gastric Bypass/BPD.
When should these bariatric surgery procedures be considered?
BIB / Gastric Balloon
BMI from about 28, but from less if secondary conditions.
Temporary - Removed no later than after 6-7 months.
Lap Band
BMI from 35, but from about 32-35, if secondary conditions.
Permanent / For life if needed - Fully Reversible (in most cases, and dependant on duration of placement).
Gastric Sleeve
BMI from 40 - Alternative option to that of a having a Lap Band.
Permanent / For life - Non-Reversible.
Gastric Wrap
BMI from 40 - Alternative option to that of a having a Lap Band or Sleeve.
Semi-Permanent / For life - Can be reversed if needed.
Gastric Bypass/BPD
BMI from 40 or higher.
Permanent / For life - Non-Reversible.
What is BMI? - [MORE DETAILS]
At present, statistics illustrate that 40% of men and 30% of women in the UK are overweight. 'Overweight' is defined as a person who has a BMI, a Body Mass Index, of greater than 27.
Persons with a BMI of 30 are defined as obese and those with a BMI over 35 are deemed to be morbidly obese. (See chart below).
The two main bariatric procedures at this time are the Gastric Balloon Surgery (BIBs), and the Adjustable Gastric Band (Lap Band Surgery).
More radical, permanent (non reversible procedure) procedures which are common, are the Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Wrap and Gastric Bypass/BPD.
When should these bariatric surgery procedures be considered?
BIB / Gastric Balloon
BMI from about 28, but from less if secondary conditions.
Temporary - Removed no later than after 6-7 months.
Lap Band
BMI from 35, but from about 32-35, if secondary conditions.
Permanent / For life if needed - Fully Reversible (in most cases, and dependant on duration of placement).
Gastric Sleeve
BMI from 40 - Alternative option to that of a having a Lap Band.
Permanent / For life - Non-Reversible.
Gastric Wrap
BMI from 40 - Alternative option to that of a having a Lap Band or Sleeve.
Semi-Permanent / For life - Can be reversed if needed.
Gastric Bypass/BPD
BMI from 40 or higher.
Permanent / For life - Non-Reversible.
What is BMI? - [MORE DETAILS]
At present, statistics illustrate that 40% of men and 30% of women in the UK are overweight. 'Overweight' is defined as a person who has a BMI, a Body Mass Index, of greater than 27.
Persons with a BMI of 30 are defined as obese and those with a BMI over 35 are deemed to be morbidly obese. (See chart below).
| BMI | Weight Status | |
| Below 19 | Under Weight | |
| 19 - 24.9 | Ideal BMI | |
| 25 - 29.9 | Over Weight | |
| 30 - 34.9 | Obesity | |
| 35 - 39.9 | Severe Obesity | |
| 40 - 49.9 | Morbid Obesity | |
| 50 or above | Super Obesity |
What Next?
So, considering bariatric surgery? Then why not consider weight loss surgery abroad with BBC Direct (Bodies Beautiful Clinics Direct). BBC Direct can offer a full range of weight loss procedures, such as gastric balloon prague, and lap band abroad, but please remember, try the natural way first, good diet and exercise.
Need free advice, not sure of your options, then please give BBC Direct a call,
Lines are open 7 days, from early until late.
Help is only a call away.
UK 0845 686 5005
Have a Gastric Band / Lap Band Fitted?
Please remember to have any fill removed / reduced during pregnancy to ensure you can provide your unborn with all the nutrients needed during your pregnancy.

