Published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, the guidance goes beyond the confines of health policy and urging change in all parts of public policy to keep the nation's expanding waistlines under control.
Professor Peter Littlejohns, clinical and public health director at the institute, said: "Obesity is the most serious threat to the future health of our nation. Its risks are as serious as smoking and urgent action is needed to tackle this problem now."
The guidance says the NHS needs to make obesity a prevention priority and should put money aside for this. Local authorities are called on to make physical activity more attractive by addressing concerns such as safety and crime. In particular councils should do more to stop people driving their cars, ensuring buildings and other developments encourage exercise and provide more safe play areas for children.
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