With a quarter of people in the UK obese, how can one of the biggest challenges threatening the country’s future health be addressed?  This will be the focus of a free public lecture at Bristol University next week.

Obesity is associated with increases in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and type 2 diabetes – all of these are important risk factors for developing coronary heart disease.  This is in addition to social pressures and prejudices that obese people may face.  Obesity related health problems cost the NHS £4.2bn in treatment in 2007. 

Janice Thompson, Professor of Public Health Nutrition and Head of the Department of Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences at the University of Bristol, will explain how wider issues make this much more of a complex problem.

The public lecture entitled, ‘The obesity solution: common sense or complex problem’, takes place at 6 pm on Monday, October 20 in the Great Hall, Wills Memorial Building, Queen’s Road, Bristol.  It is free and open to everyone.   The lecture has been organised by the Bristol Heart Institute and the University’s General Office, and supported by Above and Beyond Charities.

Professor Thompson, talking about the lecture, said: “Although changes that individuals need to make to combat obesity appear simple – exercising more and eating less – the solution will come by involving society as a whole. It’s not just an individual problem.”

Before and after the lecture, from 5pm, there will be exhibition stalls from University and local exercise, nutrition and health experts, as well as sponsors of the event.  There will also be an opportunity for members of the public to meet and talk with Professor Thompson and other members of the Bristol Heart Institute.