OBESITY GROWING PROBLEM IN BRITAIN

A recent government report has confirmed that Britain is a nation of unhealthy, overweight people with the worst diets in Europe. Obesity is now a major problem in this country amongst adults and children alike, with two thirds of men and 60% of women either overweight or obese. Lack of exercise and bad diet are the main causes. In addition it seems that where you live in this country is a major factor too. The life expectancy of men in the North is two years less than men living in the South of England. Obesity is linked to many health conditions including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. The government is calling for advertising regulator Ofcom to ban tv advertisements for junk food before 9.00pm. I personally don’t think this will make any difference whatsoever. Junk food is like cigarettes, if people want to eat junk food or smoke, they will do it, no matter what the consequences to their health. Also it seems that most of us lead such busy lives in today’s fast-paced world that more and more people either eat their food on the go or in front of the tv. Sitting together at a dining table for family meals is now a rare occurrence for many British families. This new style of dining has also meant that table manners are a thing of the past too with many people admitting they use their fingers rather than a knife and fork to eat. As somebody who was brought up the old fashioned way with meals always being eaten at the table, I must admit I was surprised when I read this. Even now I always eat my meals at the table and wouldn’t dream of eating a meal sitting on the sofa. Old habits die hard!

Meanwhile Britain’s love affair with foreign food continues. According to a survey by the BBC’s Good Food Magazine many Britons have trouble pronouncing the names of some of the foreign foods and drink we love. Italian bruschetta was the main one that caused problems with over 60% of people saying they couldn’t pronounce it. I have always loved foreign food and love trying new things. I tried Japanese food for the first time last year. It was delicious. Even if I can’t pronounce some of the names it never stops me from eating the foods I love!