The government announced last week that tackling obesity is just a simple question of getting people to eat fewer calories, and exercise more.  Well, I wonder how long it took them to come up with that insightful and inspirational call-to-action.  I do think that most of us know already that this is really all it comes down to, it is just a question of HOW we actually do this.

It is my strong belief that people are eating more now, because most of the food they consume is processed junk – this is generally high in carbs, sugar and fat and leads to energy highs and then massive dips, when (sometimes just an hour or so after a meal) they then crave more of the same sort of stuff.  And so there is a vicious cycle created, where many children and adults are now addicted to junk foods, and are putting their lives at risk by becoming obese.

I have given a lot of thought to what needs to be done to tackle the obesity crisis, and this is my – somewhat condensed – manifesto:

Every child should be taught how to cook – this should be compulsory on the curriculum – good, simple, healthy meals that nourish and sustain.

There should be much more physical activity at school – not just sports, but also fun things – maybe dance, yoga, anything that gets children moving, including those that do not like competitive sports.

Fast foods/ junk foods should be taxed, and the companies that produce them should not be allowed to advertise.  This is a big ask, but it needs to be done.  It is a complete nonsense that MacDonalds is the sponsor for next year’s Olympic Games.

Children and adults with obesity problems should be referred for hypnotherapy and counselling on the NHS – very often there is something going on in somebody’s life which has triggered significant weight gain.  It can be a simple case of addressing these problems which can help somebody to get back on the straight and narrow.

There needs to be a culture shift in the way people eat – we need to take more time over our meals, they should be social occasions where everyone sits down at the table together – this should happen at home and at school.  Food should not be eaten on the run.

For the government to offer platitudes like ‘we should eat fewer calories’ is not at all helpful.   A truly sustainable long-term plan to tackle this epidemic needs to be thought out, otherwise the consequences are very disturbing.

If you have any comments on this or anything else, please contact me on 01449 780352 or 0781 7158429 or email me on wendy@wendychalk.co.uk.