Taragana.com reported on the dramatic increase in mortality associated with obesity in the United Kingdom.
The number of middle-aged people dying as a result of obesity in the UK has almost doubled in the last decade, according to official figures.
More than 190 people aged under 65 died as a direct result of their obesity last year – compared to just 88 in 2000.
This is another example of the ravages of the worldwide obesity epidemic. It’s one thing to be overweight and uncomfortable, or to have clothing that doesn’t fit. But it’s another matter entirely when it becomes life threatening.
These figures suggest that obesity will soon present a bigger threat to public health than smoking.
Despite the percentage increase, the official figures do not show large numbers of patients where obesity is listed as the cause of death.
The data revealed that in 2000, just 25 people aged between 46 and 55 died “where obesity was the underlying cause of death”. By 2005, the number has increased to 51 and last year it was 70.
These reports underestimate the actual impact of obesity. Death certificates do not necessarily show all related factors.
For example many patients will be listed as “cardiac arrest,” especially when the patient is not known to the treating physician.
That’s because cardiac arrest is the final common pathway for all deaths, and in emergency situations other related causes may not be apparent. Therefore death certificates overestimate the incidence of heart disease and under report other illnesses, including obesity.
http://blog.taragana.com/health/2010/01/02/number-of-brits-dying-due-to-obesity-doubles-in-10-years-17835/
