Maggie Throup, Member of Parliament for Erewash and former Health Minister, has called on the Government to do more to tackle obesity during a Parliamentary debate.
During the debate Maggie highlighted the problems of obesity and the detrimental impact that it has on people’s health, the economy and the NHS.
The debate on preventing obesity and fatty liver disease took place on International NASH (non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis) day. A day that raises awareness of fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Up to 1 in 5 people in the UK have non-alcoholic related fatty liver disease and almost 12% of the population have NASH.
Maggie said: “I was pleased to participate in this very timely debate and highlight the problems of obesity. Since 1993, the proportion of adults in England who are overweight or obese has risen from 52.9% to 64.3%.
“Obesity is a force multiplier on fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, which of course puts ever increasing pressure on the NHS. The combined cost of obesity to the Treasury, that’s to the NHS, to the Department of Work and Pensions and the economy as a whole, is projected to be £58bn per year.
“Government policy towards obesity over the last thirty years has been focused on individual responsibility rather than on mandatory policy. More needs to be done to tackle the health inequalities of obesity and improve early diagnosis of fatty liver disease.
“I believe that there is an addiction in this country to ultra-processed food, in a similar way to the smoking addition over the decades. We have tackled the smoking addiction by intervention, and now its time to tackle the UPF addiction by intervention.
“I am calling on the Government to be bold and brave and tackle obesity for the sake of the individual, the NHS and the economy.”
The debate was organised to coincide with International NASH Day, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness of the often-overlooked condition of non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease (NAFLD). With 67% of adults in the East Midlands overweight or obese and 38% of children, Maggie Throup MP joined the debate to advocate for crucial measures to combat this public health crisis and protect the wellbeing of the nation.
Non-alcohol related fatty liver disease is caused by having too much fat in the liver. Non-alcohol steatohepatitis (NASH) is the more serious form of the condition, which can lead to liver cancer or liver failure. It is estimated that four in five people affected by NASH are completely unaware that they have it as there are usually no symptoms in the early stages.
In addition to fatty liver disease, obesity can also increase the risk of developing many other potentially serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and stroke.
Pamela Healy, Chief Executive at the British Liver Trust, said: "Liver disease is the public health emergency that no-one is talking about, killing more than 10,000 people every year. “Obesity is a key driver and if current trends continue, it will be the leading cause of liver disease, overtaking alcohol, by the end of this decade.
“Carrying excess weight has become the prevailing standard and urgent action is required from the government to address the easy access and excessive availability of unhealthy food, which is often cheaper than healthier alternatives.”
The British Liver Trust is calling for the government to introduce preventative measures that create a healthier environment for everyone and reduce the promotion of foods high in fat, sugar and salt, as well as improvements in early diagnosis of the disease.
If you are worried that you may be at risk you can take the charity’s free online quiz at www.britishlivertrust.org.uk/screener