[brian]

Obesity prescription numbers pass one million after eightfold increase in eight years

More than one million NHS prescription items were dispensed to treat obesity in England in 2006 – eight times the number dispensed in 1999.

The number of items dispensed in primary care was 1.06 million in 2006, compared to 127,000 in 1999, a report for The Information Centre for health and social care (The IC) shows today (31 January 2008).

The majority of these were for two drugs; Sibutramine and Orlistat. Sibutramine alters chemical messages to the brain that control feelings and thoughts about food, while the other, Orlistat, prevents some fat absorption in the intestine.

The findings come from a compendium of statistics on obesity, physical activity and diet, published today alongside the Health Survey for England 2006. The survey monitors national trends in areas like obesity, fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity, and this year focused on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated risk factors.

Figures show obesity in children aged two to 15 increased overall from 11 per cent in 1995 to 16 per cent in 2006. However the proportion of obese girls aged two to 15 fell from 18 per cent in 2005 to 15 per cent in 2006. Future years’ data will show whether these changes are part of a downward trend.

In 2006, more than one in ten adults aged 16 and over said they were diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease, such as coronary heart disease or angina.

Based on both waist circumference and BMI (Body Mass Index) measurements, more than one in five of all men (21 per cent) and nearly a quarter of all women (23 per cent) are at very high risk of developing health problems such as CVD, the main cause of death in England.

Other key findings from the Health Survey for England and the compendium on obesity, physical activity and diet are:

· People on low incomes are most likely to have cardiovascular disease, low levels of fruit and vegetable consumption or low levels of physical activity, while men on high incomes are most likely to be overweight (but not obese).

· An increased number of adults achieved government recommended levels of physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption in 2006. Figures show 28 per cent of women and 40 per cent of men took part in at least 30 minutes of activity at least five days a week (compared to 21 per cent and 32 per cent respectively in 1997). Meanwhile among men, the proportion consuming five or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day rose from 23% in 2004 to 28% in 2006. The equivalent increase for women was from 27% to 32%.

· In 2006, 19 per cent of boys and 22 per cent of girls aged five to 15 said they ate five or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day, compared to 13 per cent and 12 per cent respectively in 2004. Meanwhile 70 per cent of boys and 59 per cent of girls aged two to 15 said they took part in 60 minutes or more of physical activity on all seven days of the previous week – a very similar level to 2002.

Tim Straughan, Chief Executive of The IC, said: “Now in its sixteenth year, The Health Survey for England offers a vital insight into the nation’s health. Information such as the large rise in obesity prescriptions paints an indicative picture of the population today and will help policy makers and healthcare professionals plan for tomorrow.”

A full version of the Health Survey for England 2006 is at: http://www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/hse06cvdandriskfactors

A full version of Statistics on Obesity, Physical Activity and Diet 2006 is at: http://www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/opadjan08

A full version of the Health Survey for England 2006 updated trend tables are at: http://www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/hse06trends

[CHATSDALE]

looks like our fellows in uk are facing much the same problems as we are here
i wonder if lapband/bypass is done as frequently there
i was reading last week about the benefits that adult-onset DM patients had with these surgeries

[Silverdragon102]

Originally Posted by CHATSDALE

looks like our fellows in uk are facing much the same problems as we are here
i wonder if lapband/bypass is done as frequently there
i was reading last week about the benefits that adult-onset DM patients had with these surgeries

When it comes to lapband/gastric surgery many PCT's work on lottery and make their own rules despite national guidelines. Many have paid for themselves to go through the surgery myself included. I remember someone in Wales refused because her BMI wasn't high enough and was I think over 45. Many consider it cosmetic

[oncnursemsn]

I believe the World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that for the first time in human history, we have as many people over fed as malnourished. Kind of a statement as to how technology has helped with the advent of the obesity crisis in developed nations. NY Times had a great article a few weeks ago on obesity and the huge increase of diabetes mellitus in wealthy Indians. (India- the country, not Native Americans.) Sorry, I lost the link.

I will say that when I was in Haiti last month, it was rare to find anyone overweight, and I didn't see a single person I would say was "obese." It is a shame that developed nations are experiencing the same obesity epidemic that we are in the US. Not all our improvments are better. Gastric bypass surgery is the ONLY surgical procedure done when technically, there is no pathophysiology.

[OLD&GOLD]

I am an overweight nurse. I am well aware of the problems with obesity. However; I have a B/P of 130/78 and my cholesterol is better than my 125 lb. doctor. I think we as a nation need to get back to Pres. Kennedy's programs on physical fitness. I was shocked to find that my grandchildren have only a 30 minute a day activity time at school. Thank God they are not overweight,but what is wrong with having P.E. in elementary schools as well as educating on healthy food choices? I currently am losing weight , but my patients families seem to feel that they need to bring me brownies and cookies. I have been thanking them and then throwing the food away. Any other nurses out there on a diet? I refuse to have to resort to surgery to control my weight. I will keep going by increasing activity and eating smaller portions. So far, have lost 15 lbs. I tell myself that it is only food and I can certainly control myself and an inanimate object.

OLD&GOLD

[earle58]

everything in america, is geared towards convenience and instant gratification.
technology centers around all that is a quick fix.
childhood activities are engrossed in video games, and the era of electronics.
our foods can be zapped in under 10 minutes.
with both parents working, latchkey kids need something quick and easy to eat.
pe programs are becoming obsolete.
pharmaceutical companies are marketing their 'instant wt loss, magic pills'.
in the age of computers, there is little we have to do by foot anymore.
manufacturers can command top $$ for healthy, organic food items, while less healthy food, junk food targets those who struggle financially, as well as our kids.
often, double portions cost the same as single portions.
this marketing strategy appeals to many.
and we wonder why there is such a healthcare crisis.
i agree that we inevitably, are responsible for our choices.
but w/so many other dynamics coming into play, corporate america certainly makes it difficult.
a supportive govt, would work wonders in reversing these trends.

leslie