While we have all seen the media headlines with regards to the growing problem of obesity around the world, together with the massive potential which Alli offers to many sufferers, but do we really see the full picture?  Are things really as bad as people make out, or is this an attempt to scare the public? 

Obesity The Worldwide Epidemic

Unfortunately, the problem of obesity is real, it is there and it is growing at a pace which is starting effect all areas of society, from the very youngest to the elderly.  In order to show the potential market for drugs such as Alli, let us take a look at the USA to see how the problem is developing.

Obesity In The USA

While it may have been a  standing joke for many years about the growing average weight of the American population, fact really is more frightening than fiction.  Some of the more alarming statistics include :-

Death Rate

It has been proven that in excess of 300,000 Americans die each year from the effects of obesity, whether this is brought on by over eating, lack of exercise or a mixture of the two.  This is a truly frightening figure, and more alarming, one which continues to rise on an annual basis.

Overweight Adults In The USA

Research has shown that at least two thirds of the US adult population are deemed to be “overweight”, with a body mass index (BMI) in excess of the 25 level. This figure can then be broken down to overweight (one third) and obese (one third), which translates to some 61 million adults (35m woman and 26m men) who are classed as clinically obese!

This leaves only one third of the US population who have a healthy body weight, something which can and does have a detrimental impact upon health, and the cost of the country‘s health service.  There is also the direct cost to the economy in lost working hours,  inefficiency, etc, resulting in probably the greatest risk to the American public in living history.  This is a “disease” which has crept up on many, but has the potential to change their lives forever unless action is taken.

The Obesity Figures For Europe

While America is currently streets ahead of most other countries in the world, with regards to the obesity epidemic the problem is very much evident in a number of European Countries around the world, including :-

England - research has shown that 17% of men are clinically obese, and a worrying 20% of ladies.

Finland - Both 19% of men and 19% of ladies are classified as obese.

Russia - The difference between men and woman is very marked, with 11% of men obese, but an alarming 28% of woman classed as clinically overweight.

Germany - The picture is not much better in Germany with 17% of men and 19% of woman classed as obese.

Czech - 16% of men and 20% of ladies are classed as obese.

Scotland - The figures for Scotland are slightly better than for neighbouring England with 16% of men and 17% of woman falling into the obese category.

Belgium - Again the trend for obese ladies continues in Belgium with 12% of men and 18% of ladies seriously overweight.

Spain - Spain fairs a little better than most with “only” 11% of men and 15% of ladies classed as obese.

Sweden - Again, the trend is a little healthier in Sweden with 10% of men and 12% of ladies classed as clinically obese.

France - The French continue the down trend with a reduced 9% of men and 10% of ladies obese.

Denmark - Denmark is one of the few countries where the percentage of obese men is greater than that of the ladies, 10% against 9%.

Holland - Perhaps one of the few relative successes in mainland Europe, Holland boasts only 8% of men and 8% of ladies as clinically obese.

Australia - The rate in Australia is surprisingly high with 18% of men and 18% of ladies suffering from this harmful condition.

Italy - The winner in Europe, with an impressive 6.5% of men and 6.3% of woman in the country classed as obese.

What about the children?

While the situation with the adult population of the world is worrying enough, the situation is starting to get out of control in the younger population.  We are at a worrying stage where youngsters under 10 years of age are starting to show serous symptoms of obesity, something which they will find very very difficult to shake off in later life

It is becoming ever more vital to introduce a healthy life style and balanced dietary habits as soon as possible.  Authorities around the world are starting to make serious noises about this issue, with some even instigating legal proceedings against parents who “let” their childs weight get out of hand.

Why is obesity such a problem?

The fact of the matter is that dietary habits and the type of lifestyle which people follow has always been down to a personal choice.  There have been various attempts to change the habits of people, but many have failed because of this deep down opinion that it is “up to me”.

It is only recently when the authorities have highlighted the potential cost to life, and cost to the economy that people have begun to take the issue seriously.  The release of the figures which we covered above was a shock to many people around the world, although it has hammered home the size of the problem.

What is the answer?

The introduction of Alli offers a quick fix for many obese people in society, along with the potential to introduce a feel good factor and extra confidence to sufferers. While much has been made of the obvious physical capabilities of Alli, and the potential to allow weight to be reduced almost immediately upon starting the treatment, it is the posiitive mental attitude and healthier lifestyle which it encourages which may leave the longest lasting effect.