Discuss consequences of and solutions to obesity (15)

Obesity is the state of being overweight, where the accumulation of body fat has reached 20% of more over an individual’s ideal body weight, to the extent that it may have a negative effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems.
One of the consequences of obesity is the reduced mobility. Larger size and body weight to carry around makes travel difficult and movement requires a lot more effort and energy than it would otherwise. The extra weight makes walking difficult, as when walking it is as if you are carrying your weight with you. This also happens because obesity can cause breathlessness or fatigue. This reduces a person’s quality of life as they cannot easily leave the home, to walk to the shops for groceries and other necessities, or to visit others, especially as increased size makes it difficult to take a car or public transport. Mobility scooters are a short-term solution to this, although they give the user no exercise and therefore encourage the condition to remain/continue. It is far more beneficial for an obese patient to seek exercise whenever they can, as this could solve the issue itself. Exercise programmes are accessible across the UK and US designed especially for the obese or overweight, many available through the NHS. The NHS exercise schemes promote easy exercise, such as walking and ‘home exercise’ (short cardio, sit ups, etc.). Other exercise programmes include YMCAfit, although some others may have a fee. School initiatives have also been set up to reduce child obesity, which in turn encourages exercise for life and reduces obesity. School initiatives in the UK, such as Walk on Wednesday, usually focus on incorporating small amounts of exercise into everyday life, or participation in team sports which may remain a hobby through teen years and