National Obesity Forum 4th Annual Conference

Citation

(2007), "National Obesity Forum 4th Annual Conference", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 37 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2007.01737bac.001

National Obesity Forum 4th Annual Conference

National Obesity Forum 4th Annual Conference, Jury's Great Russell Street Hotel, London, 9-10 October

The theme was "Obesity – What Works" and provided delegates with the opportunity of examining all existing evidence on what works when trying to halt the growing levels of obesity in the population.

The emphasis of the conference was there is no "quick fix" but various strategies including diet, exercise and medication as well as surgery, which are all appropriate with different individuals. No one solution was shown to suit all individuals and that obesity is a long-term problem, which requires long-term intervention and support. A’move away from weighing people was recommended by speakers, as it is the excess body fat that is harmful rather than the excess weight. Some individuals such as athletes are extremely fit and have a low body fat percentage but would on BMI charts be considered as obese due to their high body weight.

The health consequences of obesity were discussed including the social, mental and physical ones.

There was a small exhibition of products and organisations, which can be used to support people who are obese. The exhibition included a company producing scales, which also can be used to measure body fat percentage.

The conference was opened by Colin Waine who reminded the audience of the massive impact obesity was having on health and well being and that according to the WHO obesity had reached epidemic proportions.

The next NOF conference is planned for 16 October 2007 at the Royal College of Physicians in London.