A new study claims obesity is not simply caused by overeating and lack of exercise but that it is the result of modern life.
The two-year study, involved almost 250 experts and scientists and was led by Foresight, the U.K. government's futures think-tank.
"The technological revolution of the 20th century has led to weight gain becoming inevitable for most people, because our bodies and biological make-up are out of step with our surroundings," says a press release by the U.K. government on the report.
The study found that obesity has many causes and is a "much more passive phenomenon" than often believed.
Researchers also found that it will take at least 30 years to reverse the obesity epidemic.
"Foresight has for the first time drawn together complex evidence to show that we must fight the notion that the current obesity epidemic arises from individual over-indulgence or laziness alone," said Sir David King, head of Foresight.
"Personal responsibility is important, but our study shows the problem is much more complicated. It is a wake-up call for the nation, showing that only change across many elements of our society will help us tackle obesity."
While stocking up on food was key to survival in prehistoric times, King said modern society's "energy dense, cheap foods, labour-saving devices, motorised transport and sedentary work" are making obesity a common reality.
The study argues that obesity in Britain has tripled in the last quarter century. Twenty-five per cent of Britons are now considered obese. The study predicts that if current trends continue, 60 per cent of men, 50 per cent of women and 25 per cent of children in the U.K. will be obese by 2050.
Canadian studies have indicated that in 2004, 4.5 million Canadians were obese, while 58 per cent of the population was either overweight or obese.
Researchers in Britain also noted that obesity costs Britain about Cdn$90 billion every year. By comparison, studies over the past decade here in Canada have reported that obesity costs Canadians anywhere from $2 billion to $5 billion per year.
The study calls for policies aimed at different age groups, particularly initiatives to help early intervention.
There is no "magic bullet" solution and a wide range of different actions are needed to make a difference, says the study.
The report made a series of proposals, including:
- Taking quick action when a child starts gaining too much weight
- Target people who are at increased risk
- Control high-calorie foods.
- Re-design towns to facilitate physical activity
- Work with employers to increase health consciousness
