NHS FOR ALL

Geeta Sidhu-robb’s assumption that people are entirely able to control their lifestyle choices to make themselves less of a burden on the NHS is far-fetched (22 Jan). She states that it is ‘rare to find an obese vegan’. Maybe she doesn’t realise that plenty of alcoholic drinks are vegan – and what about cigarettes? Who says veganism is best for someone who eventually develops osteoporosis? I also know obese people who exercise every day and eat healthily. Then there’s me: I’m fit, healthy and eat the right things. I exercise most days. But running has ruined my knees. I will burden the NHS with them in the next few years, I’m sure. I cycle to work – it’s risky, I could get knocked off my bike. Who is to say that my lifestyle choices are better, safer, less of a burden? We can’t play God, everyone deserves to be treated – not just young, thin, fit, non-smoking vegans.