Beating obesity takes planning

Your editorial on obesity is both timely and informative (Irish Independent, February 27).

It is vital to shed light on the problem of obesity, as the scourge of modern civilisation and the most alarming public health calamity in the 21st century.

Obesity is inextricably intertwined with an array of chronic and social diseases: type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, hypertension, stroke, obstructive sleep apnea, gallstones, gout and periodontitis, a major cause of tooth loss.

These conditions severely affect public coffers and health and social care services.

Regrettably, there is no silver bullet in the battle against obesity.

What is needed is a willpower to abandon fatty and salty foods and fizzy beverages, eat healthier and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

We also need a more considerate approach from urban planners to design urban metropolises to encourage city dwellers to cycle, exercise, swim and walk.

By adopting healthier lifestyles, we can turn the tide in the battle against obesity. Dr Munjed Farid Al Qutob London, UK