Latest News Fewer holidays for couch potatoes Obesity is at epidemic proportions in America Unfit people should get fewer holidays and pay higher insurance costs, according to American scientists. Writing in 'Science' magazine, James Hill from the University of Colorado and J. Peters from Procter and Gamble say governments need to take drastic measures to encourage people to exercise more in the battle against obesity.
Obesity can lead to major illnesses, like diabetes and coronary heart disease.
Because it is difficult to treat, scientists believe prevention is the best way forward. Hill and Peters recommend a partnership approach between big business, health and education, similar to that used for other health problems like AIDS and smoking. Fit people should get perks, say scientists They say children should be encouraged to do regular exercise at school and teachers should make exercise as much fun as sedentary pastimes like playing computer games. They add that governments should provide incentives for the food and agriculture industries to reduce portion sizes and make low-fat food more easily available. The culprit is an environment which promotes behaviours that cause obesity.