Highlands on verge of obesity epidemic
Health experts in the Highlands are warning that the area is on the verge of an obesity epidemic.
Experts estimate 60% of adults in the Highlands are either overweight or obese.
Today a major conference was held in Inverness to try to determine why the area is facing an obesity epidemic, and what can be done to tackle it.
Fiona Clarke of NHS Highland said: "It (obesity) has an effect on ordinary lives, but also on communities, health services, social services, businesses. So, it is everybody's business to try and tackle this problem."
Most of us are more than aware that we should be cutting down on unhealthy foods and eating more healthily, but how many of us are actually doing it? And is the message of healthy eating and exercise really getting across?
Delegates at today's conference were told that being overweight is not just bad for the health of the individual, but also affects areas such as employment, planning and transport. They say society as a whole must look to issues such as how to encourage people to incorporate exercise into their everyday routine.
Frances Bain of Sustainable Transport Charity said: "The walking and cycling are becoming the obvious choice now. Especially when we're advertising the health benefits and environmental benefits as well, obviously we're hearing about carbon emissions and global warming."
Experts say it is vital this weighty issue is tackled for the sake of everyone's health.
Obesity epidemic in Highlands
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