The UK is one of the unhealthiest nations in Europe and scored particularly badly on obesity, being the fattest nation of all according to figures from the Association of Public Health Observatories.
The West Midlands had the highest percentage of obese adults at 29% – nearly double the EU average of 14% and much higher than the 19% rate seen in Greater London.
David Stalker, Executive Director of the Fitness Industry Association (FIA). commenting on the report on the FIA’s blog said “It’s something we, as an industry, are well aware of and I am proud to say that we have more responsibility than ever before to do something about it.”
He went on “We are working closely with the medical profession and have just agreed a Joint Consultative Forum with a number of Royal Medical Colleges and Faculties. Not only will this encourage the use of exercise in both the prevention of ill-health and treatment of disease but will see patients coming through your doors for a prescription of exercise.”
“I think it’s vital that we work together with this sector to develop an evidence base for fitness in the use of ‘exercise as medicine’ and help improve the standards of our training and the skills of our workforce.”
“It’s not going to be easy. It’s not going to happen overnight. But we won’t be sniggered at by the sophisticated French or the slimline Scandinavians any longer. We’re more than ready for it….”