Obesity develops when you consume more energy than you use i.e. your energy intake (food and drink consumption) exceeds energy expenditure (metabolism and physical activity), over a prolonged period resulting in the accumulation of excess body fat. However there are many factors that contribute to the cause of obesity, ranging from diet, activity, diseases and disability, social, behavioural, environmental and economic forces, as shown in the figure below.

Diet

The Food Standards Agency recommends a balanced diet, as illustrated in the ‘eatwell plate’ below:
Reproduced with kind permission of the Food Standards Agency. 5 a day: www. 5aday.nhs.uk Supported by the eat well plate, from the food standards agency. http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/eatwellplate/?lang=en/

This message is supported by the Governments 5 a day campaign, advising the consumption of at least 5 portion of fruit and vegetables per day. More information about dietary guidelines and the 5 a day campaign can be found at: http://www.food.gov.uk/ & http://www.5aday.nhs.uk/

Physical Activity

Currently the Government advises adults to carry out at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity for 5 times a week, although more may be required to maintain a healthy weight.
For children, current recommendations suggest that every child carries out at least moderate intensity activity for 60 minutes every day. Further information on Physical activity guidelines can be found in the 2004 Department of Health ‘At least five a week’ report.