London Met Professor to offer radical solutions to increasing obesity problem News

London Met lecturer Professor David McCarthy will present his radical views on tackling the ever-growing obesity problem in the UK at the University next week

Date: 13 April 2016

‘Britain’s Obesity Crisis: Is it time to consider more radical solutions?’ will take place on 20 April, and “promises to be lively with opportunities for discussion.”

With over 30 years of research experience in the field, McCarthy, Professor of Nutrition and Health at London Met, will discuss taxation, a reduction on the multi-million pound advertisement industry, and even more radical solutions to the growing problem.

The event comes after a new report in the Lancet medical journal revealed that one fifth of all adults globally will be obese by 2025. The report revealed that there is zero chance that the world can meet the target set by the UN for halting the climbing obesity rate by 2025.

Professor McCarthy said: “I am looking forward to engaging with staff, students and members of the public on the increasing concern of obesity. The talks comes at a time when obesity problems are at an all-time high, and will offer radical suggestions to alleviate the ongoing problem.”

In 2008, the UK government set an ambitious target of being the first major nation to reduce obesity to the same levels as in 2000. Now, in 2016, there have been no signs of a decline in obesity levels.

Professor McCarthy’s research includes assessing fatness and muscularity in UK children. He is also the principal investigator for the UK arm of a five country trial on weight loss and sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

The lecture will form part of the Infinity Lecture series; a programme of lectures which have the common theme of ‘infinity.’ Previous lectures have included Toys for Elephants, a lecture about engaging with animals using play.

Free tickets can be booked on London Met’s Eventbrite page.