Obesity could be as big a problem as climate

By Avril Ormsby

LONDON (Reuters) - Obesity could be as big a crisis as climate change unless Britons start to lose weight soon, Health Secretary Alan Johnson warned on Sunday.

He said tackling obesity was a long-term central plank of government policy but all parts of society must play their part.

Johnson has asked the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to look at the use of trans fats and its contribution to increased cholesterol and the subsequent risk of coronary heart disease.

It will look at what the food industry can do to reduce the use of trans fats, a type of unsaturated fat.

The government will also launch a scheme where selected London doctors will give advice and support on physical activity to men and women who lead sedentary lifestyles.

"We know we must act," he said. "We cannot afford not to act.

"For the first time, we are clear about the magnitude of the problem: we are facing a potential crisis on the scale of climate change and it is in everybody's interest to turn things round."

"There is no single solution to tackle obesity and it cannot be tackled by government action alone. We will only succeed if the problem is recognised, owned and addressed at every level and every part of society," he added.