Can the London 2012 Olympics help curb obesity?
Obesity is emerging as a major policy issue in Britain. Nearly one in four English adults is obese, and treatment of obesity-related ailments accounts for an estimated 2.3 – 2.6% of total healthcare expenditure in the UK.1. British and European research shows that there is an inverse relationship between levels of over-weight and obesity on one hand, and educational qualifications and socio-economic level on the other. Tackling obesity and promoting healthier lifestyles can therefore be seen as part of wider strategy to promote social justice, equity and improved outcomes for disadvantaged populations. To this end, the UK government launched a major cross-governmental strategy in January 2008, Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives, aimed at making the UK ‘the first major nation to reverse the rising tide of obesity and overweight in the population’2. The London 2012 Olympic Games offer a unique opportunity to promote healthy lifestyles and tackle obesity. The Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives stra
