Public Lecture by Prof. Janice Thompson
THE OBESITY SOLUTION - Common Sense or Complex Problem?
6.00pm Monday 20th October 2008
Wills Memorial Building, Queen’s Rd, Bristol
5 - 6pm exhibition stalls
6 - 7pm lecture
7 - 8pm exhibition stalls & refreshments
In the UK about 1 in 4 men and women are obese, with about two thirds of the adult population being overweight. Obesity is associated with increases in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and type 2 diabetes – all of these are important risk factors for developing coronary heart disease. This is in addition to social pressures and prejudices that obese people may face.
Although changes that individuals need to make to combat obesity appear simple – exercising more and eating less – Professor Thompson will explain how wider issues make this much more of a complex problem. The solution will come by involving society as a whole; it’s not just an individual problem.
Janice Thompson is Professor of Public Health Nutrition and Head of the Department of Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences at the University of Bristol. Her research interests involve studying the factors influencing eating and physical activity behaviours in high-risk populations, and using this information in community-based settings to develop culturally-tailored interventions to reduce obesity, physical inactivity, and the subsequent risks for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Before and after the lecture there will be exhibition stalls from university and local exercise, nutrition and health experts, as well as our sponsors. It will also be an opportunity to meet and talk with Professor Thompson and other members of the Bristol Heart Institute.