Obesity on the rise

With books like "French women don't get fat" the British bookshelves, we could be forgiven for thinking that obesity isn't a problem in France.

However, a report shows that 20 million French people, that is one third of the population, have problems with their weight; in 20 years the proportion of 5 to 12 year olds who are overweight that has risen 7%.

So what has gone wrong, and why do the professionals think that the French are joining other western countries by becoming alrmingly obese?

In 2006 six million French people were considered obese and 14 million overweight with the numbers are rising each year.

It is a problem that is of concern to everyone, from the very young to the elderly. The situation is particularly worrying in the young where specialists consider two thirds of young children will stay overweight or become obese into adulthood. Obesity in young children

The reasons behind this rise is manifold; the change in eating habits and foods offered for sale in supermarkets, the television adverts aimed at children with foods high in sugar and salt, children who once walked to school are being taken by car and the rise in eating disorders. Foods that are the most nutritious are usually those which are the most expensive such as fruit, vegetables and fish.

The report considers education is central to the fight against obesity. Medication to help loose weight, says sthe report, is very dangerous and a balanced diet is the answer together with regular exercise. There is no miracle answer it is a slow procedure but one that can only be done by the person themself.

A four year programme has been put into place by PNNS 'Programme national de nutrition santé' PNNS which will promote the eating of fruits, vegetables, fish, low fat meats such as chicken and eating in moderation.

The growth of fast food outlets in the last 10 years has helped develop poor eating habits in children and it is in children that that the predisposition of obesity starts. France Eating Right

Taking 30 minutes of sport per day along with a balanced diet will help to prevent severe obesity and health problems in later life. French Face Obesity Fears

Following the recommendations will help the fight against obesity and over the next four years reduce the probelms by 20%.