Obesity a bigger issue than independence

Sir, - The Scottish media, education, health and government communities need to develop a holistic, joinedup approach to solving the obesity epidemic.

They often seem like a kids’ football team, all rushing after the latest ball to be kicked. The latest focus has been the impact of the Commonwealth Games on activity levels.

We need a combination of education on how weight is gained and lost, how to cook quick, cheap, healthy meals, how to exercise, and the effects of obesity on health, ability to work and depression.

This should be supported by bold, effective regulations on food manufacturing and retail practices and some high-profile, justifiable, rewards and consequences which would increase awareness, help people lose weight and put them on a path to a sustainable lifestyle.

NHS England is, perhaps, ahead of us. One initiative pays people £200 for every stone they lose and another bars people with a BMI index of 30 or more from non-emergency surgery for a year, which reminds me of, many years ago, our next-door neighbour being refused an operation until she lost three stones.

This crisis costs at least £1 billion of NHS Scotland’s annual £13bn spend and countless lost working days. It is a bigger issue than the date for a second referendum. Allan Sutherland. 1 Willow Row, Stonehaven.

Food for thought: are NHS England’s methods the way forward?