Obesity helpline number to be printed on larger sized clothes?

An obesity helpline number should accompany the sale of larger sized clothes in shops, health experts advised today.

The measure is one of several recommended by academics who fear the growing problem of obesity in the UK could bankrupt the health system.

A new report, Obesity - Can We Turn The Tide?, said changes in society and Government policy are urgently needed to reverse the trend.

The study, published in the British Medical Journal, suggests:

:: Including helpline numbers for advice with all clothes sold with a waist of more than 40in (102cm) for men, and 37in (94cm) for boys. The same should apply to women's garments with a waist of more than 35in (88cm), or size 16 or above, and more than 31in (80cm) for girls;

:: Banning the placement of sweets and fatty snacks at or near shop tills and at child's eye level;

:: Taxing processed foods that are high in sugar or saturated fat;

:: Introducing health checks for all school leavers, both primary and secondary;

:: Allowing new urban roads only if they have safe cycle lanes;

:: Establishing a dedicated central agency responsible for all aspects of obesity.

The report was put together by Laurence Gruer, director of public health science at NHS Health Scotland, and Sir George Alberti, emeritus professor of medicine at Newcastle University.

Glasgow University professors Naveed Sattar and Mike Lean also contributed to the report, which calls for a wider acceptance of drugs and surgery as ways of cutting the health risks that stem from obesity.

These include depression, stroke, diabetes and back pain.

The report concludes: "Medical practice must adapt to the current epidemic of obesity and nutrition-related diseases.

"The profession must unite the forces of public health and acute services to generate sustainable changes in food and lifestyles, matters at the heart of our cultural identities.

"Furthermore, training in public health medicine should urge all doctors to contribute towards bringing changes in the food industry and in the environment that will lead to a more physically active, healthier and happier population.

"As the prevalence and costs of obesity escalate, the economic argument for giving high priority to obesity and weight management through a designated co-ordinating agency will ultimately become overwhelming.

"The only question is, will action be taken before it's too late?"

Copyright Press Association 2006