Abstract

The Triple Helix, Cambridge Presents:

IT’S YOUR FAULT YOU ’RE FAT ! – exploring the causes, solutions and implications of the ‘obesity epidemic’ Monday 3rd March, 7:30pm McCrum Lecture Theatre, Bene’t Street (behind The Eagle pub)

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By 2050 60% of men and 50% of women could be clinically obese. Without action, obesity-related diseases will cost an extra £45.5 billion per year. (UK Government Foresight Project 2007)

This frightening statistic reveals the urgency of stalling the unprecendented ‘obesity epidemic’ that threatens the UK. In our final event of the term, The Triple Helix asks if obesity is caused by personal lifestyle choices, determined by the foetal environment or is just an inevitable result of the genes we inherit. After evaluating the causes of the problem, our panel of experts will turn to discussing the solutions to the pending crisis.

‘The Handbook of Obesity’, states that dietary therapy is the basis of a successful treatment for obesity. However it then acknowledges that subsequent results are often poor and not long-lasting. If this is true, then what is the answer to the problem? The response of the UK government and society itself has so far not been enough to have an impact. How drastic do measures need to be in order to succeed where healthy eating advice and relentless media coverage of the problem have failed?

We invite you to join our expert speaker panel to discuss these issues further:

• Dr David Haslam – Clinical Director of the National Obesity Forum
• Adrian Coggins – Physical Activity Specialist of the National Obesity Forum
• Dr Giles Yeo – currently researching the genetics of Obesity, at the University of Cambridge
• Dr David McCarthy – In-Utero Programming researcher at London Metropolitan University

Following a short presentation from each speaker, the floor will be open to you so we invite you to come and express your questions and views!