THE problem of obesity is a serious one, and the Government is right to take the issue seriously, but I am not sure all the complexities are understood by many of those advancing suggestions for solutions.
Already the self-righteous are talking about it being a life choice, just as they do about smoking, alcohol and drugs. Nobody who could help themselves would choose to continue to take those substances after they see the damage it does to their lives; so it is for those of us whose addiction is food.
Knowledge alone is not enough ? hence the huge proportion of failed diets.
An added problem for us is the fact that in order to live and be healthy we have to face our substance of choice several times a day and develop a more normal attitude to food. There are many folk who develop anorexia or bulimia partly from trying to control their weight ? though it is far more complicated than that.
Compulsive eating is a disease of isolation. The feelings of failure, guilt and shame get worse with every abandoned diet; so what message will the compulsive eater get from the Government?s campaign?
Overeaters Anonymous is a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience, strength and hope are recovering from the disease of compulsive eating. Many in our midst are anorexic or bulimic ? indeed some have experience of all faces of the illness.
There are people in OA from all walks of life, young and old, male and female, overweight, underweight and normal weight. We work a 12-Step programme like that of Alcoholics Anonymous. We ordinary folk from all walks of life work together on our journey of recovery one day at a time.
Name and address supplied