Active Fat
New joint charity campaign urges Britons to examine their waistlines.
A new survey has revealed that 97 per cent of people in Britain are unaware that excess weight around their middle is generating higher levels of oestrogen and excess chemicals in their stomachs, putting them at risk of cancer, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Nearly three quarters of people admit to carrying excess weight around their middle, and more than half (57 per cent of women and 55 per cent of men) overestimate the waist measurement at which they become at risk.
The results of the survey, which questioned 2,085 adults in Great Britain, were released as Diabetes UK, Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation launched a new ‘Active Fat’ campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying extra weight around your middle.
The charities are urging people to measure their waistlines and make positive changes to their lifestyles if they are at risk.
A new web animation explains that a sinister fat cell, instead of lying around harmlessly, is actually very active and working around the clock to stimulate disease.
Dr Mike Knapton, Associate Medical Director for the British Heart Foundation, said:
“That ‘harmless’ spare tyre around your waist is actually a major health hazard. While you might be relaxing at home, your fat cells are working overtime to pump out excess hormones and other chemicals that can cause disease.
“Wrapping a tape measure around your middle takes just a few seconds, but it could be your vital first step towards a healthier future.”
The campaign is also calling for the European Parliament to support people to make healthier food choices by bringing in a single front-of-pack food labelling system across the EU, which includes traffic light colours.
To help people to trim their tummies, Cancer Research UK, Diabetes UK and the British Heart Foundation are sharing their top tips on losing weight through their joint campaign website www.activefat.org.uk.
Last updated:
30/04/2010
