State Funded Slimming Classes

[Malc]

Sources:

Lefty
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/may/28/nice-database-weight-management-programmes

Righty
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/a...slimming-courses-millions-obese-patients.html

What do people think?

My opinion is that this is a good idea. Awareness and a less severe, dare I say natural approach to fitness and body fat % seems like a proactive approach. Ultimately it could save money in the long run as reliance on drugs to solve chronic problems such as high blood pressure and heart problems could be reduced.

I definitely think these issues need to be approached on a macro scale. It’s very easy to take vilify the people with these problems but I’m not sure it gets us anywhere. Looking at the comments on the DM link, they are principled in focus.

“Why should they get it free”
“It’s their own fault”
Etc

We should improve via the best means possible regardless of perceived “fairness” to others and then educate to solve the underlying mental issues (addiction, lack of care etc) and/or lack of knowledge around healthier living.

 

[Malc]

Depends who pays for the classes. Is it the NHS or the patient ?

The articles imply that the NHS will pay for the classes. My understanding is that the classes are seen as a treatment in the same way as drugs or surgery would be.

It's a bit of a pardigm shift as I'm not aware of any other health problems being treated with something that the general public would normally have to pay for.

 

[Malc]

Hence my point about education - I don't like diets that don't educate the individual about *why* they are losing weight, a permanent solution is awareness of nutrition.

I agree with this.

I see obesity as a symptom of a problem.

Treat the symptom with weight loss programmes etc. Solve the problem with education about excersise and nutrition and information about the health risks of being unhealthy.

You could even go a step further and prescribe a gym membership! I'm not sure the public would accept this however.

 

[Malc]

I lost 3.5 stones in the last year.

I didn't need classes to do it.

If you want to lose the weight you will lose it.

If you don't, you won't.

Public money should not be involved.

Does that mean the NHS shouldn't prescribe medicines and surgery for obesity related problems?