New Charity Supports the Overweight

A new British Charity was launched last month to support Britons with weight problems and to help reduce discrimination against the overweight.

Weight Concern has received funding from the department of Health and has been founded by British Psychologists and Nutritionists. The charities main objectives are to:

- Increase public awareness of the causes and consequences of obesity.
- Promote research into the social and health implications of rising obesity in children.
- Promote better treatment services for weight problems.
- Offer help, support and advice for the overweight.

Founder member Professor Jane Wardle commented, "We started Weight Concern to help combat prejudice and discrimination, to work towards providing more effective and accessible services for people with weight problems and to provide a platform for obese people to express their needs".

According to Professor Peter Kopelman of the Royal London Hospital, weight problems are now "epidemic" in the UK with over half of all adults classed as overweight and 1 in 5 obese.

Psychotherapist Patricia Whitson of Bromley Health Management commented, "There are all sorts of causes that lead to weight problems, whether it's a confidence issue, lifestyle issue, sleep problems, hormonal problems or even allergies. People with weight problems suffer from a lot of discrimination, even from the doctors and health specialists who are supposed to be helping them. It's good to see these issues are being addressed".

For more information and advice on Weight Management, contact Bromley Health Management.

Saturday, 2 February 2002