No 10 wants people to lose weight before the second wave

[Redolent]

What could possibly go wrong with encouraging people to go on a quick crash diet??

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As well as longer-term proposals to reduce the incidence of obesity, government officials are having urgent discussions about how to persuade people to lose weight in the next few months, before an anticipated resurgence in coronavirus cases in the autumn.

In England, 64% of adults are classed as overweight or obese and 29% as obese as measured by BMI, among the highest levels in Europe.

One official involved in the emergency planning said the government was alarmed at the possible death toll from a second wave. A programme is expected imminently, possibly within 10 days, based on encouraging people to reduce their calorific intake and lose weight rapidly.

worra no, I don't think the majority of overweight adults are "mentally ill', I never once said that I don't think? If I did I apologise for not explaining my point well. The crux of what I'm trying to say is that for so many people, mental health plays a part in disordered eating. People who haven't suffered this will not understand. I don't think it's fair saying they are lacking willpower and are lazy, etc.

I'd love to see Boris heading this up.

Boris as England's weight loss leader. Weekly weigh ins instead of daily (or however often they're on now) briefings.

Boris taking questions from journalists about how much weight he's lost this week/what did he eat?

Chris Whitty patiently explaining what happens to fat when it leaves your body and that no, eating only crisps for 2 weeks is not a good way to kick start a diet Boris.

Jenny Harries telling the public that being overweight is contagious so keep 2 metres away from anyone obese - unless your outside - then you'll be fine.

Cummings implementing an strict healthy eating plan that the whole of England must follow. Pictures emerge of him eating pie and chips followed by a few pints.

I'm sure other posters could add the picture

fizz, can you post some links to back up your claim that 64% of the UK population must have a medical condition causing obesity and/or mental disorder?

Oh sorry, didn't realise the tone of the thread had got unpleasant.

I didn’t make that claim @dairyfairies

Maybe it suits you to think people are all just weak, thick, stupid and lazy

I never said that. This discussion obviously has touched a sour point of yours but there is no reason to put these kind of statements into my mouth. I have never ever called someone obese any of these. What are you trying to achieve?

fizz, nice backtrack

The NHS recommends VLCDs of 800kcals a day to stop/reverse type 2 diabetes, so this initiative doesn’t surprise me.

@SparkLee

worra no, I don't think the majority of overweight adults are "mentally ill', I never once said that I don't think? If I did I apologise for not explaining my point well. The crux of what I'm trying to say is that for so many people, mental health plays a part in disordered eating. People who haven't suffered this will not understand. I don't think it's fair saying they are lacking willpower and are lazy, etc.

But many absolutely do lack willpower.

If the threat of a second wave and some help from the government encourages them to lose weight then that's brilliant. Sadly they can't help everyone in the next couple of months and if their reasons for being overweight are really that complex, it could take years.

It's not long til Autumn.

fizz with this kind of language you are not painting a nice picture of yourself

"I hope you get Covid and die.!"

Seriously FizzFan? And yet you call others unpleasant?

You can eat at Mcdonalds and still lose weight. Choose carefully from the menu and make it a treat, maybe once a week.
I think this is a great move, and something that some people have already started doing over the last three months. I'm not overweight myself but I'm still going to lose a few more pounds, exercise more and do everything I can to boost my immune system ready for winter. Unfortunately it does seem as if the virus is going to be around for a while, along with the usual flu and chest infections and it really is up to us as individuals to protect ourselves as much as possible.

Does anyone actually enjoy being unfit and overweight. It would seem to me that any encouragement to get us to take responsibility for ourselves and which will result in feeling healthier is a good thing.

@roundtable

I'd love to see Boris heading this up.

Boris as England's weight loss leader. Weekly weigh ins instead of daily (or however often they're on now) briefings.

Boris taking questions from journalists about how much weight he's lost this week/what did he eat?

Chris Whitty patiently explaining what happens to fat when it leaves your body and that no, eating only crisps for 2 weeks is not a good way to kick start a diet Boris.

Jenny Harries telling the public that being overweight is contagious so keep 2 metres away from anyone obese - unless your outside - then you'll be fine.

Cummings implementing an strict healthy eating plan that the whole of England must follow. Pictures emerge of him eating pie and chips followed by a few pints.

I'm sure other posters could add the picture

I think a Biggest loser style weigh in with Boris in lycra shorts would be great.

It doesn't take a genius to know that maintaining a healthy weight is better for you than being overweight, but similarly there aren't the support systems in place to support those whose overeating is intrinsically linked to others things, such as trauma or binge eating disorder. For some though it is just because they don't move enough and eat too much, I am guilty of that, but have reached a healthy weight by adding a bit more physical activity and making better choices. I think part of it is as seen on this thread, associating going out to eat or grabbing a coffee as unhealthy. I have never been to a pub where they won't switch out the chips with a meal for either unbuttered veg or a baked potato, both of which still make a meal but people often say how boring, what a sad life to be counting calories. Also with coffee shops, as long as you don't add loads of sugar, an americano is really low cal, or even a latte etc with skimmed milk isn't too bad. Most offer a choice of snacks too, some high in calories but keep you fuller for longer, such as the granola bars etc. I am not a fan of Boris but he has lost quite a bit of weight since december.

worra I agree with you 100% on your last post. I think its fantastic if people are encouraged to lose weight ahead of the second wave, in fact I would like to do this myself. But sadly yes, those who have complex problems that lead to their obesity could take years to sort out, possibly never. I fear I fall into this catagory, as I have been over weight since infancy. I've lost and gained weight so many times, I'm bulimic, see weight as the enemy. Its a fucking endless battle 😔

I really don't understand why anyone's going on about Boris Johnson's weight.

If anyone needs to lose weight to improve their chances of survival should they get Covid-19, then it's about you, not Boris Johnson and not Bob and Barbara at number 37.

I can't see anyone's family standing at a graveside and thinking "If only Boris had lost more weight".

This thread has more red herrings than a fishmongers.

SparkLee, sorry to hear that and best wishes to you

I am morbidly obese and have stayed the same weight over lockdown. I am however a lot fitter from more walking/cycling etc. It's not ideal but it's better than nothing

I think it's a good idea. But in Ireland, I see a slightly differently angle. Ivor Cummins is suggesting people fix their insulin resistance.

He cited some evidence (can't remember) that insulin and leptin resistance are linked to a continued cytokine storm in week two in other viral respiratory illnesses.

@UltimateWednesday

Why is everyone so all or nothing?

They're not saying the only thing we or they need to do is to lose weight, but it makes sense that it will help where it's possible.

I agree!

Cut out the worst carbs. If you slip up, go for a walk to mop up all the extra glucose in your blood.

@KetoWinnie

I think it's a good idea. But in Ireland, I see a slightly differently angle. Ivor Cummins is suggesting people fix their insulin resistance.

He cited some evidence (can't remember) that insulin and leptin resistance are linked to a continued cytokine storm in week two in other viral respiratory illnesses.

How is he suggesting people fix it?

By losing weight?