Help is at hand in Ayrshire flab fight

Aug 15 2008

AYRSHIRE is in the grip of an obesity crisis.

Sixty eight per cent of men are officially fat and one in five primary one pupils are either overweight or obese.

Health experts warn that people are storing up serious health problems for the future.

And they insist that there is plenty of help out there for anyone willing to take responsibility for their own future.

Fiona Smith is a public health dietician for Ayrshire and Arran Health Board.

She said: “People are noticeably much larger than they were 20 years ago.

“That is pretty obvious when you walk down the street. It is a problem.”

According to the Scottish Health Survey, women fair better than men in the fat stakes. Of those who took part in Ayrshire and Arran, 60 per cent were overweight and obese.

However, Fiona explained that it’s not the way men see it.

She added: “Interestingly, the male perception of themselves is that it’s not such a big problem for them. Women on the other hand are significantly aware of their weight and their body image.”

The figures are based on Body Mass Index (BMI), which measures the relationship between height and weight.

Anyone with a BMI of under 25 is considered normal or underweight. Between 25 and 30 is overweight and 30 plus is obese.

Fiona pointed out: “BMI doesn’t take account of individuals with a high proportion of muscle, which weighs more than body fat. But it is a good general indicator.

“These figures are concerning, particularly because of the implications that they can have for general health in the future.”

Weight problems are linked to heart disease, stroke, cancer, type two diabetes and osteoarthritis of the hip and knee.

And Fiona is particularly concerned for the health of Ayrshire kids.

She went on: “One in five children have a problem in this area. That is a worrying figure.

“There are a number of theories as to why this is a growing problem.

“It could be down to a reduction in physical activity, things like parents driving their children to school or children not going out to play as often as they used to.

“They also spend more time in the house watching TV or playing computer games.

“Diet will also be a factor. Children are targeted with foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt.

“All of this combined is storing up problems for kids in the future.”

But Fiona explained that there are a number of initiatives across Ayrshire aimed at helping adults and children fight the flab.

She added: “Community food workers teach cooking skills in community centres and village halls.

“They can help build confidence and teach parents how to deal with difficult issues like fussy children.

“School nurses can offer ongoing support to parents if a child has a weight problem, as can health visitors.”

Fiona revealed that GPs are even able to prescribe WeightWatchers vouchers to adults.

She said: “There is plenty of support out there if you want it. But the first step is admitting that it is a problem.

“If you’re not sure where to start ask your GP, who will point you in the right direction.”