With only Greece and Malta scoring higher in Europe, Britain is shamed again in a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

7 in 10 (67.8 per cent) of males 15 or over in Britain are either overweight or obese earning them the dubious honour of being 21st fattest of 192 countries globally, while our women fare much better, at the 51st fattest. As if that is not bad enough, Britain is the ninth least active nation in the world, with 63.3 per cent of adults taking less than 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week. Of the major nations, only Saudi Arabia (68.8) and Argentina (68.3) are less active.

This study follows similar work last year by the Association of Public Health Observation which highlighted UK as topping obesity levels in Europe.

The report, Global status report on noncommunicable diseases 2010, addresses the health consequences of the worldwide epidemic of obesity.

Lou’s view:  obesity is a huge health risk, but the good news is we can do something about it. Being overweight is not an incurable disease, but may lead to one if changes in lifestyle are not taken soon enough.  We all need to strive for healthier living – but starting with small steps will improve likelihood of success.  It just takes improvements to the diet and small regular amounts of exercise to make all the difference! The NHS have some great eating and exercise ideas with a great tag line ‘eat well, move more, live longer’