New Evidence Shows a Third of Overweight and Obese Adults Have Been Overweight or Obese Since Childhood

HARLOW, England, March 7, 2011 - New research from weight-loss and weight-management experts LighterLife
shows that a third of overweight and obese people have been overweight or
obese since childhood[i]. Research conducted amongst LighterLife clients
shows the detrimental long term impact of a poor relationship with food from
a young age. With an ever increasing emphasis on childhood obesity as rates
soar - over 30% of children aged 2 to 15 years old in the UK are currently
obese[ii], it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure healthy eating
habits start at an early age.

We also know that being overweight or obese runs in families with 5 out
of 10 children who have one obese parent, likely to become obese themselves
and a worrying 8 out of 10 will do so if both their parents are
overweight[iii]. It is vital that parents understand the long term impact of
early food associations and encourage healthy eating habits and a healthy
relationship with food instead of using food as a way to reward, incentivise
or console their children.

Psychological and training specialist, Helen Goldstein says "This
research shows that a surprisingly high percentage of overweight and obese
people were in the unhealthy weight category as children. It also highlights
how important it is for parents to give more thought to how they may be using
food in the family. We know that obese parents often raise obese children so
it is imperative for overweight adults to try to change their own
relationship with food and set a healthy example. Unhelpful habits can
develop for many reasons and may be triggered by a number of things. Luckily
these habits and this mindset can be interrupted and healthy relationships
developed.

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[i] LighterLife Data on File 2011

[ii] Health Survey for England [HSE], 2008

[iii]
www.patient.co.uk/health/Obesity-and-Overweight-in-Children.htm Last
viewed Mar 11

For more call Paul Hutchings on +44(0)208-392-8040 or email
phutchings@rdcomms.com

* The new ready meal products will not be sold to LighterLife clients

For further media information contact:

To find out more, interview a LighterLife counsellor or a successful case
study, please contact Paul Hutchings or Alessia Leone at Red Door
Communications: +44(0)208-392-8040, phutchings@rdcomms.com or
aleone@rdcomms.com

For more call Paul Hutchings on +44(0)208-392-8040 or email phutchings at rdcomms.com; For further media information contact: To find out more, interview a LighterLife counsellor or a successful case study, please contact Paul Hutchings or Alessia Leone at Red Door Communications: +44(0)208-392-8040, phutchings at rdcomms.com or aleone at rdcomms.com