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Heavy burden
THE contemporary curse of celebrity culture has been blamed for many ills, but until now the increasing preponderance of high profile singers, actors and television presenters has not been linked to Britain's obesity epidemic.
While it is not the fault of celebrities if their fans choose to follow their example – Eamonn Holmes, James Corden and others identified by the Nuffield Health report are entitled to live their life as they wish – being overweight will not help them, their public image or the often young people who imitate them.
The excesses associated with the rich and high profile, be it drug abuse, drunkenness or public outburst of vitriolic anger, are never as cool as they appear. Few would have thought that over-eating would become another lifestyle choice associated with celebrity but, with the proportion of the population (23 per cent) classed as obese, according to their body mass index, having more than doubled in the past 10 years, it seems they are echoed among the world of so-called ordinary people.
Cynics may snigger if the devotees of celebrity culture end up imitating even the obesity of their idols, but it risks storing up problems for everyone. A nation of fatter people makes Britain less healthy, less happy and with more NHS bills to pay.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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