Thread: So please see below. I happened today to read the #obesity page on the @NHSEngland website. The content and statements really surprised me. There are many positive aspects such as highlighting BMI limitations and the use of waist circumference&⬇️
nhs.uk/conditions/obe…
nhs.uk/conditions/obe…
mentioning the multiple treatment options and the need for psychology, talking about #obesity complications and that modest weight lost has health benefits amongst other positive features. But there are several features that really need improvement ⬇️
Firstly, the lack of people first language in the document. The NHS Language Matters in #obesity and #Diabetes were very well received and it will be great if the NHS site follows the what NHS Language Matters highlighted and suggested ⬇️
Secondly, the definition "The term obese describes a person who's very overweight, with a lot of body fat". #obesity Definition is controversial, but the WHO definition, may not be ideal but still better "abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health" ⬇️
Thirdly, "Obesity is generally caused by consuming more calories, particularly those in fatty and sugary foods, than you burn off through physical activity". This is wrong at many levels. It is stigmatising and re enforce an "energy in out" approach that does not work ⬇️
It is also not just the physical activity energy expenditure (EE), total EE is part of the equation. It ignores the complex causes of obesity outlined by the Foresight report that is backed by all later NHS #obesity policy documents that I saw ⬇️
gov.uk/government/pub…
gov.uk/government/pub…
The statement fail grasp that the Energy Imbalance is caused by multiple biological, environmental and psychological factors. Focusing on the physical activity only is also wrong because most people who are thin or have #obesity are actually sedentary ⬇️
Fourthly "The best way to treat #obesity is to eat a healthy reduced-calorie diet and exercise regularly" This is not the best way, but it is the first line treatment. Best way depends on patient needs and many other factors. ⬇️
Fifthly "eat a balanced calorie-controlled diet as recommended by a GP" All the RCTs that compared doctors with commercial programs and HCPs showed the Drs were best in controlling vascular risk factors but not best in giving diet advice #obesity ⬇️
There is a lot more but I will stop here so the thread is not too long. I dont know who is behind the website, But may I request to involve the charities that represent people living with obesity in future drafts and also to speak to variety of #obesity as well as PH experts
@UK_ASO @EASOobesity @ECPObesity @ObesityUK_org @ObesityEmpower @kenclare @BrocqSarah @AnnVincent1 @CurvyVickiM @ObesityAPPG @BDA_Obesity @OPENObesity @BrownAdey @DrStuartFlint @ConscienHealth @JMBernK @maureen_busby @huffstuff @dr_yitkagraham @docwas @NHSDiabetesProg @parthaskar
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