A lack of resolve

THE new year always begins with the best of intentions with many individuals promising a personal fitness drive to blow away their festive hangover. Yet, by the end of this week, countless resolutions will already have been broken and too many people will, once again, be eating and drinking to excess.

However, while they may not think they are obese, a growing proportion of the population appear to be in denial about their weight problem – and that eating sensibly, and healthily, is just as important as regular exercise. And while the Government will, rightly, maintain that lifestyle issues are for the individuals concerned, Ministers cannot escape the fact that this obesity epidemic will play havoc with the finances of the NHS unless a healthy living culture can be successfully engendered.

As organisers of the London Olympics look, again, at the legacy of the 2012 Games with regard to the future use of the main facilities, Ministers should redouble their efforts to ensure that this once-in-a-generation sporting celebration also promotes the virtues of a healthier society.