ABSTRACT
More than 60" of the UK adult population are either overweight or obese. The increasing prevalence of obesity is a major public health issue. The implications of obesity are now widely debated and, in common with tobacco and alcohol, considered important public health issues and subjects for Government regulation. Primary care is the focal point for the management of obesity and its complications. Some primary care units have dedicated staff to run obesity and diet clinics. Children and adults who are not obese or even overweight should also be educated about maintaining a healthy weight as part of a primary care health promotion programme. Obesity is an important and increasingly common medical condition which increases medical and cardiovascular risk. It is an excess of body fat and is measured using the body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference. The UK population is aware that exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle but generally remains inactive.
