Projects that work with children and families to prevent childhood obesity and reduce health inequalities are benefitting from more than half a million pounds of investment.
Ten projects across Scotland will share £538,141. The funding is allocated to initiatives such as Little n Lively – run by NHS Lanarkshire – which provides families and young children in the area with practical skills and information on nutrition and cooking and increased opportunities for physical activity and expanding social networks.
This year a number of health boards, including NHS Orkney and NHS Shetland, are continuing or implementing the ‘HENRY – Healthy Families Right from the Start’ programme which helps parents and carers with children up to five years old to provide a healthier, happier start in life.
The internationally adopted, evidence-based package provides support with family emotional wellbeing and information about nutrition, physical activity and oral health.
The funding is part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensure all children have the best start in life and the projects support the ambition to halve childhood obesity in Scotland by 2030.
Speaking on World Obesity Day (Monday), Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Preventing the causes of ill health is an important part of our efforts to make the health service sustainable in the years to come. That includes addressing obesity, particularly as we know good nutrition and physical activity is crucial for children’s health and development.
“We want Scotland to be the best place in the world for a child to grow up, and these early years projects are crucial to our bold ambition of halving childhood obesity by 2030.
“These ambitious and effective projects will also help tackle inequalities by working with families and communities to encourage healthy eating and offering support for those experiencing food insecurity.”
Health Improvement Adviser for NHS Shetland, Fern Jamieson said: “The continued early years funding from Scottish Government has enabled NHS Shetland and partners to continue delivery of the HENRY ‘Healthy Families Right from the Start’ programme to more families across Shetland.
“Healthy Families Right from the Start is an 8-week programme to support parents and carers with children between 0-5 years to provide a healthier, happier start in life. Parents and carers have the opportunity to join online or face-to-face groups, providing improved access across Shetland.
“We have had reports that the programme is very interesting, enjoyable and a good opportunity to share ideas with others which has helped in making healthy changes across the whole family.
“With over 20 groups across Shetland, we are engaging with communities to deliver our standalone HENRY workshops. Feedback has been very positive and parents and carers feel more confident at mealtimes, understanding behaviours and cooking cost effectively.”
Projects receiving funding in 2023/24 are:
NHS Ayrshire & Arran: JumpStart Tots – £76,828
NHS Dumfries & Galloway: A whole systems approach with a focus on Early Years – £11,400
NHS Grampian: Training and support for a group of multi-agency professionals across Aberdeenshire to deliver the HENRY approach – £15,000
NHS Grampian: Upskill relevant teaching staff to deliver the Grow Well Choices Early Years programme – £15,000
One cube of cheese is equivalent to 11 pancakes for a small dog
Imagine eating 11 pancakes in one sitting – well that’s exactly what your precious pooch* is doing every time you give them just one cube of cheese, according to PDSA.
It comes as a warning to pet owners this Pancake Day as part of the leading vet charity’s ‘Big Weigh In’ campaign which aims to tackle obesity in pets.
“We all love a treat and I’m certainly looking forward to my pancake this Pancake Day,” says PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing. “But while it’s tempting to share titbits with our four-legged friends, especially when they give us those pleading eyes, it’s important to understand that what we see as a small treat could actually be a huge amount of calories for our pets.
“For example, 30% of dog owners regularly give their dogs cheese*, but just one cube of cheese is the equivalent of 11 pancakes to a small dog, six to a medium dog, and 3.5 to a large-sized dog. So what originally may have seemed a harmless little treat, actually equates to more than 110 extra calories, which is over 30% of a small dog’s daily calorific requirement.”
The veterinary charity is working with Royal Canin to tackle the pet obesity crisis in the UK. Throughout February and March, pet owners can book in for free weight checks at participating vet practices across the country.
There are more than 500 practices signed up. Pet owners can find their local participating vet practice and book their free appointment here: pdsa.org.uk/WeighUp
“Overweight pets are more likely to suffer from health problems such as diabetes and urinary tract disease,” adds Nina. “Carrying excess fat can also worsen other health problems – such as arthritis and breathing difficulties – as well as increase anaesthetic and surgical risks, all of which could negatively affect your pet’s quality of life.
“That’s why we’re urging all pet owners to get involved in the PDSA Big Weigh In this year and let us help you to help your pet.
“If your pets have had a treat-filled festive season, it’s important to recognise if they have gained some extra weight and to help them get back to better health.
“It can feel like a big challenge to get a pet to lose weight, but trust us, it’s worth it and isn’t that difficult (I promise!). Once your pet has reached their ideal size and shape, they will be healthier, happier and more active. They will also have the best chance of living a long, energetic and comfortable life.”
How to tell if your dog needs to lose weight
Looking at your dog’s shape is the best way to tell if they’re putting on weight. Dogs come in all different builds and sizes but a healthy shape is the same for every dog:
Look at your dog from the side and from above. They should have a neat, tucked in waist.
Feel under your dog’s tummy. It should go in, not bulge out.
Feel along your dog’s back and sides. You should be able to easily feel their ribs, spine and hips but they shouldn’t poke out.
Feel the base of your dog’s tail. You shouldn’t be able to feel a build-up of fat where their tail meets their body.
Different ways to exercise your dog
Varying your dog’s exercise routine is an excellent way to keep their mind and body healthy. If you’re looking for inspiration, why not try some of the following:
Walking should be part of every dog’s daily routine to keep them physically and mentally healthy. Most dogs need at least 1-2 walks per day (unless otherwise specified by your vet).
Swimming is a great option if your dog likes the water, and as an added benefit, it’s very easy on their joints. Whether it’s in a pool, the sea, a river, or a lake, make sure you follow water safety advice to keep your pooch safe.
Running is a great way to stay healthy with your four-legged friend – just make sure that their breed suits an athletic workout and if it does, that you introduce them to it slowly. To begin with, try short bursts of gentle jogging throughout your normal walk, then gradually build up to longer stretches.
Play should be part of every dog’s daily routine. While it doesn’t replace a good walk, playing a game is a simple but effective way to keep your dog happy and active. The type of games your dog enjoys will depend on their breed and personality – they might want to chase and retrieve a toy, play tug of war, hide and seek, or sniff out their favourite toy in a scent game.
Agility is a fun way to exercise your dog, especially if they have an active mind and love a challenge. It involves training your dog to complete an obstacle course containing hurdles, tunnels and even seesaws.
Flyball involves your dog running through an obstacle course and releasing a ball, which they then need to catch – it’s a great sport for dogs with lots of energy and/or an active brain. Flyball isn’t a good sport for very heavy dogs, or dogs with joint problems, so it’s important to speak to your vet before starting your dog at a class.
Training: Training should be a part of every dog’s daily routine. It helps keep your dog’s mind active, reinforces commands, prevents boredom, and is a great way to bond.
*According to the 2022 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, the UK’s largest annual nationally representative assessment of pet wellbeing.
£12.4 million awarded to six innovative new projects to understand barriers to getting into work.
Projects include investigating the impact of endometriosis on women’s work choices and how programmes to reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes can improve workforce participation.
Funding will help overcome barriers facing those who need the most support getting into work
Six ground-breaking projects including an investigation looking at how endometriosis impacts women in the workplace have been awarded £12.4 million, the UK Government has announced today (Tuesday 12 September).
The projects comprise the first round of the Labour Market Evaluation and Pilots Fund, and take place over the next two years. The results will help to transform the government’s approach to the jobs market and drive forward research into best practice in employment.
While the UK’s employment rate is higher than a number of other advanced economies, the government is committed to ensure that those who most need help getting into the workplace are supported.
The Chancellor announced a range of interventions to address this at Spring Budget 2023 – including a significant expansion of childcare support, making 30 hours of free childcare a week available to parents from children aged 9 months.
The Labour Market Evaluation and Pilots Fund is part of that and will be used to test new approaches and generate better evidence to help specific groups back into work or to work longer hours.
Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Victoria Atkins, said:“Our jobs record is incredibly strong, with high employment that means millions of people are benefiting from work. But for some, that’s not happening.
“We need to look for solutions that are tailored to help people thrive in the jobs market. This analysis is the first step towards that – looking at specific health conditions or living arrangements to find out what works to help people work.”
Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression Mims Davies MP said:“The vital opportunities and confidence employment gives, helps to transform lives. This is why we are determined to support all those who want to progress to do so, while also driving down inactivity and importantly growing the economy.
“This key new funding for our pilots will enable us to support even more people to move forward in work, including vitally those in supported accommodation and more disadvantaged communities, to help people to break down any barriers to work, so more people can fulfil their employment potential.”
National Statistician, Sir Ian Diamond, said: “The ONS welcomes the opportunity to shine light on this important area with these projects.
“This new analysis will provide crucial insight for decision makers in helping to understand how health conditions impact on people’s working lives and what interventions can help people stay in work.”
One of the projects includes a first-of-its-kind Office for National Statistics (ONS) evaluation which will investigate the impact of endometriosis on women’s participation and progression in the workforce.
Endometriosis can affect around 1 in 10 women, with symptoms including chronic pain and fatigue which can disrupt daily routines, fertility and mental health and time off work may be needed for coping with symptoms.
Previous work has shown that women with the condition often take this into consideration when making career choices, including the likelihood they will need to take significantly more sick leave. This project will improve understanding and help inform government plans to support women with the condition in their careers.
A second project by the ONS will evaluate whether programmes to reduce the risk of developing type two diabetes and obesity improve people’s ability to join the labour market.
Around 3.8 million people in the UK have type 2 diabetes and 2.4 million are at high risk of developing the disease which can have a strong effect on quality of life, including the ability to work. The evaluation will include reviewing the impact of the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP), a large scale nine-month, evidence-based lifestyle change programme aimed at people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
There will also be a new pilot to address barriers to work faced by those aged 18-24 living in supported housing, which is accommodation provided alongside care, support or supervision to help people live as independently as possible in the community and can act as a pathway to transitioning into work.
To support young people in making that transition, DWP and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) have developed a Proof of Concept that will test financial support and simplification of the benefits system for 18-24 year olds living in supported housing who move into work or increase their working hours.
This will help them to build their employment prospects further, work towards becoming financially independent and progress into move on accommodation in a planned way.
Funding will also be allocated to two HMRC projects to evaluate the impact of Tax-Free Childcare on parents’ work choices and women’s return to work after maternity leave. In addition, funding will be provided to DWP to trial employment support and rent incentives to move people out of work or on low earnings into work or onto higher earnings.
More people living with obesity will have access to the newest and most effective obesity drugs to help cut NHS waiting lists, following the UK Government’s announcement of a £40 million two-year pilot yesterday
Two-year pilot backed by up to £40 million will explore ways to make obesity drugs accessible to patients living with obesity outside of hospital settings
The newest weight loss drugs can help adults living with obesity lose up to 15 per cent of their body weight when prescribed alongside diet, physical activity and behavioural support
Pilots build on government’s work to tackle obesity, reducing pressure on the NHS and cutting waiting lists
More people living with obesity will have access to the newest and most effective obesity drugs to help cut NHS waiting lists, following the announcement of a £40 million two-year pilot yesterday.
Earlier this year, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended the use of Semaglutide (Wegovy) for adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 35 and one weight-related health condition – such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Other drugs are currently under consideration in clinical trials.
There is evidence from clinical trials that, when prescribed alongside diet, physical activity and behavioural support, people taking a weight-loss drug can lose up to 15 per cent of their body weight after one year. Taking them alongside diet, physical activity and behavioural support can help people lose weight within the first month of treatment.
Obesity is one of the leading causes of severe health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer, and it costs the NHS £6.5 billion a year. There were more than 1 million admissions to NHS hospitals in 2019/2020 where obesity was a factor.
Using the latest treatments to tackle obesity will contribute to cutting waiting lists by reducing the number of people who suffer from weight-related illnesses, who tend to need more support from the NHS and could end up needing operations linked to their weight – such as gallstone removal or hip and knee replacements.
NICE advise that Wegovy should only be available via specialist weight management services, which are largely hospital based. This would mean only around 35,000 people would have access to Wegovy, when tens of thousands more could be eligible.
The £40 million pilots will explore how approved drugs can be made safely available to more people by expanding specialist weight management services outside of hospital settings. This includes looking at how GPs could safely prescribe these drugs and how the NHS can provide support in the community or digitally – contributing to the government’s wider ambition to reduce pressure on hospitals and give people access to the care they need where it is most convenient for them.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Obesity puts huge pressure on the NHS.
“Using the latest drugs to support people to lose weight will be a game-changer by helping to tackle dangerous obesity-related health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer – reducing pressure on hospitals, supporting people to live healthier and longer lives, and helping to deliver on my priority to cut NHS waiting lists.
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: “Obesity costs the NHS around £6.5 billion a year and is the second biggest cause of cancer.
“This next generation of obesity drugs have the potential to help people lose significant amounts of weight, when prescribed with exercise, diet and behavioural support.
“Tackling obesity will help to reduce pressure on the NHS and cut waiting times, one of the government’s five priorities, and this pilot will help people live longer, healthier lives.”
Health Minister Neil O’Brien said: “We know that obesity puts additional pressure on the NHS and is linked to a whole host of health problems – including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
“Expanding how to access these innovative new drugs will ensure as many eligible patients as possible have the opportunity to try these treatments if they are right for them to help achieve a healthier weight.
“These pilots build on our ongoing work to tackle obesity – including introducing calorie labelling on menus to empower people to make informed decisions and investing in school sport to give children an active start in life.”
NHS medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “Tackling obesity is a key part of the NHS Long Term Plan – it can have devastating consequences for the nation’s health, leading to serious health conditions and some common cancers as well as resulting in significant pressure on NHS services.
“Pharmaceutical treatments offer a new way of helping people with obesity gain a healthier weight and this new pilot will help determine if these medicines can be used safely and effectively in non-hospital settings as well as a range of other interventions we have in place.”
NICE is also considering potential NHS use of another drug known as Tirzepatide – which is currently licenced to treat diabetes but may also help with weight loss – if it receives a license for weight loss in the coming months.
NHS England is already working to implement recommendations from NICE to make this new class of treatment available to patients through established specialist weight management services, subject to negotiating a secure long-term supply of the products at prices that represent value for money taxpayers.
Losing weight can help to reduce the risk of obesity-related illness which in turn can reduce pressure on the NHS, cut waiting times, and realise wider economic benefits.
The pilot builds on the firm action the government is already taking to tackle obesity, including:
Introducing calorie labelling on menus, which are expected to bring health benefits of £4.6 billion and provide NHS savings of £430 million
Restrictions on the location of unhealthy foods in shops, which are expected to bring health benefits of over £57 billion and provide NHS savings of over £4 billion over the next 25 years
Introducing the Soft Drinks Industry Levy which has seen the average sugar content of drinks decrease by 46 per cent between 2015 and 2020
Last year the government announced £20million for the Office of Life Science’s Obesity Mission. This will explore innovative ways to best utilise promising medicines and digital technologies to help NHS patients achieve a healthy weight.
The Better Health: Rewards App is also being piloted in Wolverhampton. It is offering incentives such as vouchers for shops, gym discounts and cinema tickets for people who eat healthily and exercise more.
The 2019 Health Survey for England estimated that over 12 million adults were living with obesity – 28 per cent of the population in England – while a further 16 million (36 per cent) were overweight. This means that around two-thirds of the adult population were above a healthy weight – defined as having a BMI of 25 or above.
DHSC launched a call for evidence in May to inform the Major Conditions Strategy, including further work to tackle obesity.
American Bulldog Roscoe has managed to shed over 23kg so far!
With success stories like Roscoe’s, a 13-year-old American Bulldog who came into PDSA’s care weighing a whopping 75kg – PDSA are inviting pet owners across Scotland to join in and visit a participating vet practice to get their pet weighed for FREE!
With one month left to go, PDSA and Royal Canin are calling on pet owners across Scotland to take advantage of a free weight check for their four-legged friend by signing up to the new ‘Big Weigh In’ initiative.
The new PDSA Big Weigh In initiative is taking place throughout February and March 2023 and is now in its final month countdown to join in! The campaign is in conjunction with veterinary practices across the UK to help the pet population shed some pounds.
A weight loss success story is Roscoe, a 13-year-old American Bulldog who initially came into PDSA’s care weighing a whopping 75kg and after a tremendous effort from his owner, Craig, Roscoe has managed to shed over 23kg and he is very nearly at his ideal weight!
The excess weight was affecting Roscoe’s daily life through his breathing and energy levels, so losing the weight was vital for his health and happiness.
Craig said: “From struggling to walk him around the local green to seeing him run around with dogs in the park, I’m so pleased we got expert advice to kick-start his weight loss journey. Roscoe has such a big personality, he’s cheeky, loving, and is very intelligent, but when he was overweight he wasn’t the same dog.
“Thankfully, he’s back to his old, happy self and I can’t thank PDSA enough for giving us the support we needed to get Roscoe to where he is today. And I’m so pleased we’ve been able to keep the weight off, although Roscoe does get a little confused still when we don’t give him any leftovers from a Sunday roast.”
The main aim for PDSA Big Weigh In is to help other pets like Roscoe live a better and hopefully longer life, by maintaining a healthy weight.
For dog and cat owners in Scotland; you are able to find which vet practices across the UK are taking part and inviting pets to come in and get weighed on the veterinary practice map.
In 2022, the charity’s annual PAW (PDSA Animal Wellbeing) Report revealed 60% of owners regularly give their pet human food in some form, such as leftovers (26%), cheese (22%) and bread or toast (10%).
Human food is often high in fats and sugar, and can contribute to obesity and weight problems as well as potentially leading to an unbalanced diet for our pets. As per PDSA calculations, feeding a dog a slice of toast with butter, is the equivalent of a human eating two portions of fries.
Similarly, feeding a cat three small cubes of cheese, is the equivalent of a human eating two quarter pounders!
PDSA Veterinary Surgeon, Lynne James said:“Our Weigh Up campaign was popular amongst pet owners who were keen to understand more about their pet’s weight, in order to keep them fit and healthy.
“Now we are taking the next step and launching PDSA Big Weigh In – where we are inviting owners to join in and visit a participating practice for a free weight check.
“We have also launched the PDSA #WeighUp Pet Weight Loss Support Group, for fellow pet owners to join, share their progress and access exclusive tips and content, including weekly Q&A’s with PDSA vets and vet nurses, all to help each pet owner with their pet’s weight loss journey.”
If you would like to find out more before visiting your local participating practice, please visit PDSA’s website.
Over two million1 kitties are eating away from home with potentially devastating effects on their health
One in six pet parents (14 per cent) have put their cat on a diet because they get fed seconds – and thirds! – by their neighbours
Cat behaviourist, Nicky Trevorrow, shares her tips for ensuring a healthy and happy cat
Cats are courting more than just other people’s affections according to a new survey which found that nearly a third of cat caregivers (30 per cent) suspect their neighbours of feeding their beloved kitty titbits, treats and even full meals2.
Makers of proper food for pets Lily’s Kitchen, which commissioned the poll, is urging people to serve up ‘tough love’ instead. With findings showing that one in six owners (16 per cent) believe their cat is overweight because of being fed by well-meaning neighbours, it highlights that ‘dining out’ can have an impact on our cats’ health.
14 per cent of those surveyed have even admitted to putting their feline friend on a diet as a result.
What is more, it appears our cats are regularly playing away, with nearly two-thirds of pet parents (64 per cent) saying their cat pays visits to ‘other humans’. Admitting their moggies stand them up, staying out all hours of the day and night, a third (34 per cent) say their outings last five or more hours every day.
But our cats’ intrepid nature can end up with more serious consequences than just missing your kitty. Highlighting the impact of treating someone else’s pet, 34 per cent said their cat ‘eating out’ was a real source of stress for them, while 17 per cent have fallen out with neighbours for feeding their feline without permission.
And proving just how damaging this can be, a worrying 19 per cent of owners questioned describe their cat as overweight.
Gaining some extra rolls isn’t the only cause for concern when it comes to feeding cats you don’t know. It’s not uncommon for cats to have allergies or other special dietary requirements related to medical conditions, so falling for the charms of a wide-eyed kitty could lead to more than just disgruntled neighbours.
However, despite pet parents feeling put out by neighbours feeding their own cat, and proving how hard it can be to ignore feline charm, 32 per cent of the same people admitted they themselves have fed local cats, with a whopping 73 per cent feeding them daily or weekly.
Nicky Trevorrow, Cats Protection’s Behaviour Manager, says: “Obesity is a significant welfare issue for our feline friends that can affect their health and behaviour. All cat caregivers should ensure that they feed a good quality, complete food and avoid feeding too many titbits.
It’s important for caregivers to keep an eye on their cat’s weight. You should be able to feel your cat’s ribs easily when you stroke their body lightly and you should clearly see a waistline when you look at them from above.
“If you are in any doubt, speak to a veterinary professional about your cat’s weight and how best to reduce it if necessary. However, even the most diligent owners can still face difficulties with their majestic moggy and their weight, if their cat has a penchant for scoping out food at the neighbour’s house.
“If a cat spends a lot of time at the neighbour’s house, it is important to consider why that may be. In a lot of instances it can be that they get extra food and treats there – this, of course, is very enticing and reinforces the cat’s inclination to visit.
“However, many cats will avoid their homes if there are a lot of stressors present, for example, non-socially bonded cats, toddlers or other stressors. It is therefore always worth evaluating your home set-up to see if it is actively encouraging your cat to go seeking other homes and additional meals.
“For all cats, but especially indoor-only cats, it is important to provide them with plenty of play and enrichment to keep them active and burning off calories. A few short play sessions, with a good fishing rod toy, spread throughout the day can help with this.”
How much a cat needs to eat depends on a variety of factors, but as a guide, on average, a healthy and active outdoor adult cat needs around 275 calories a day3. And it doesn’t take much over-feeding for them to start piling on the pounds.
Feeding your moggy proper, nutritious food could even stop them from popping out for sneaky seconds or hunting for ‘takeaways’. According to a recent study by the University of Exeter4, feeding a delicious meal rich in meat protein, such as Lily’s Kitchen recipes, resulted in a 36% reduction in hunting.
Samantha Crossley, Marketing Director at Lily’s Kitchen, comments: “As much as we love our cats, they are rebels whose affections often spread beyond their owners – and their food bowls. Outdoor cats can roam and do as they please, which can often mean neighbours find themselves at the mercy of a loveable kitty begging them for scraps; when they turn on the charm, it’s hard to resist!
“At Lily’s Kitchen we know the importance of good nutrition, and that means not only proper food and complete recipes, but the right quantity of that food. Lots of owners will know all too well that cats can very easily become overweight, and although the extra tummy rolls might mean an extra cuddly hug, it can have a detrimental effect on their overall health.
“As a pet parent, choosing proper food that your cat goes wild for may wellreduce the chance of them dining out, or prowling for a takeaway and piling on the pounds. Exeter University’s recent study found that feeding cats food containing proper meat has a number of benefits including a reduction in hunting behaviours… it may leave them satisfied enough to reduce their visits to no. 31 as well!”
A research project at the University of Edinburgh, led by Professor Gillian Gray, has been awarded £88,000 by Heart Research UK. Prof Gray’s team has discovered that a drug originally developed to treat obesity and diabetes also promotes repair of the heart after a heart attack and reduces the development of heart failure.
Now the team will use ‘mass spectrometry imaging’ (MSI) to look in more detail at the effects of the drug on the heart muscle.
Heart attacks occur when the blood flow to the heart is interrupted, causing damage that can weaken the heart and lead to heart failure. The new drug that has been discovered acts early after heart attack to prevent the spread of injury in the heart muscle and therefore has the potential to benefit many patients.
As obese and diabetic people are at higher risk of heart attack, the combined actions of the drug on the heart, fat and insulin make it particularly appealing.
The drug has already undergone safety tests in volunteers, so could now rapidly progress to human trials. However, the research team will first need to show that this new drug offers benefits over existing drugs used to treat heart failure.
To do this, the team will use MSI to further investigate the effects the drug has on the heart. It is anticipated that this will provide unique evidence that the biochemical pathways in the heart muscle affected by the drug are distinct from those affected by drugs already used to treat heart failure.
MSI uses a laser to collect samples from slices of tissues. Levels of substances in the body like cortisol and cholesterol breakdown products, that we expect to change after a heart attack and in response to the drug, can be measured in each spot targeted by the laser. This information can then be used to build a map of where they are found.
The MSI group, led by collaborator Professor Ruth Andrew, have already used this technique to visualise and measure activity of the enzyme targeted by the drug in the brain, liver and kidney.
They will prepare thin sections of heart muscle and use the laser to capture samples from injured areas and compare these to samples from healthy areas. MSI has enormous potential for helping to understand biochemical pathways in the heart but has never been systematically applied to heart tissue before.
Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive of Heart Research UK, said: “We’re very happy to be able to award one of our Novel and Emerging Technologies Grants to Professor Gray and her team.
“This project will generate novel MSI data from heart tissue which will provide vital information on how the drug affects the heart, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”
You can read more about and apply for Heart Research UK’s Research Grants here.
Survey reveals thousands of Scottish pets have gained weight over lockdown
Latest research has revealed that a whopping 160,000 furry friends have gained weight in Scotland since March 2020 – contributing towards a total of 1.4 million pets across the UK who have done so during lockdown.
Vet charity PDSA says that the worrying findings unveil the true extent of what was already a growing pet obesity epidemic, with the pandemic creating a ticking time bomb threatening the lives of pets across the UK.
The study* of more than 4,500 UK pet owners by leading vet charity, PDSA, and YouGov, also found that 84,000 Scottish owners have fed their four-legged friends more human treats since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, adding further fuel to the pet obesity crisis.
More pet owners in Scotland (9 per cent) report that their pet has gained weight since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, compared to the Midlands (5 per cent). However, Scottish pet owners walk their dog significantly more frequently than in England or Wales, with 55 per cent reporting they walk their dog more than once a day, compared to 43 per cent of people living in England, and 36 per cent of owners in Wales.
PDSA GLASGOW PERCY THE PUG AND OWNER CHLOE
A couch-potato lifestyle and excessive food consumption over lockdown is having drastic consequences for our pets. And the love we feel for our pets could also be contributing to the problem, as according to UK owners who said their pet was overweight, the most common factors preventing their pet from losing weight were:
giving in when their pet begs for food (29 per cent),
they like feeding treats to their pet (19 per cent),
their pet is fussy with food (19 per cent), and
they feel giving treats shows how much they love them (15 per cent).
PDSA Vet Susan Hermit said: “Worryingly, the detrimental health effects of obesity in our four-legged family members don’t appear to be well-recognised amongst owners. Three in ten (31 per cent) don’t agree that overweight pets are more likely to suffer from serious diseases, and 35 per cent don’t agree that they are less likely to live as long.
“Obesity has been a huge problem among UK pets for a number of years and sadly our PAW Report indicates this is only getting worse. It is one of the biggest long-term health concerns for our pet population, because it is so commonly seen by vets and nurses, with vet professionals estimating that up to half of their pet patients they see each week are overweight**.
“Animals who are overweight have a much greater risk of developing health problems such as arthritis and diabetes – which can have drastic consequences, even shortening their life by up to two years***. We could therefore see this huge obesity problem impact on our pet’s health for years to come.”
Susan adds: “With many owners spending more time at home with their pets since the start of the pandemic, the potential for weight gain due to increased feeding – particularly of treats – was always a concern.
“Unfortunately, we know from previous PAW Reports that some owners struggle to recognise when their pet is overweight or obese and in need of weight loss, which is the first step towards helping them live a longer, happier life. We’ve created a useful free guide to help owners identify if their furry friend is overweight, along with advice on how they can support their pet back to their target weight.
Professor Alex German, Royal Canin Professor of Small Animal Medicine at the University of Liverpool and world-leading expert in cat and dog weight management, adds: “Pet obesity is a growing crisis that is having an impact on the long-term health and happiness of the UK’s pets.
“Both experience and research show that carrying excess weight can have huge health implications, including associations with shorter life expectancy. We all agree that we need to tackle pet obesity urgently, although losing weight can be challenging if you don’t know where to start.
“PDSA’s #WeighUp guide is an invaluable tool to help empower owners to identify the signs of weight gain in their pet in the first place, and also take practical steps to address it.”
Susan concludes: “The good news is that even if your pooch or kitty is in need of a health kick, it’s never too late to help them eat well, exercise and play more, and live longer.
“In most cases, simply adapting their diet, replacing treats with playtime and encouraging them to move more can make a huge difference, and are all the ingredients needed for our pets to maintain a healthy weight, essential for a happy, healthy life.”
For further information about PDSA’s #WeighUp campaign, which is proudly sponsored by Royal Canin, and to download its free guide to help check if your pet is a healthy weight and what to do if not, visit https://pdsa.org.uk/WeighUp.
New package of measures and “Better Health” campaign announced to help people lose weight.
A picture of health?
Ban on TV and online adverts for food high in fat, sugar and salt before 9pm
End of deals like ‘buy one get one free’ on unhealthy food high in salt, sugar and fat
Calories to be displayed on menus to help people make healthier choices when eating out – while alcoholic drinks could soon have to list hidden ‘liquid calories’
New campaign to help people lose weight, get active and eat better after COVID-19 “wake-up call”
A raft of measures have been revealed as part of the UK Government’s new Obesity Strategy to get the nation fit and healthy, protect themselves against COVID-19 and protect the NHS.
Obesity is one of the biggest health crises the country faces. Almost two thirds (63%) of adults in England are overweight or living with obesity – and 1 in 3 children leave primary school overweight or obese, with obesity-related illnesses costing the NHS £6 billion a year.
The urgency of tackling the obesity time bomb has been brought to the fore by evidence of the link to an increased risk from COVID-19.
Living with excess weight puts people at greater risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19, with risk growing substantially as BMI increases. Nearly 8% of critically ill patients with COVID-19 in intensive care units have been morbidly obese, compared with 2.9% of the general population.
As the government continues to respond to this unprecedented global pandemic, Ministers will today set out a comprehensive package of measures to help people take control of their own future by losing weight, getting active and adopting a healthier lifestyle.
Rather than focusing primarily on childhood obesity, the strategy represents a new focus on empowering adults to lose weight as well.
This plan is being launched alongside an exciting new “Better Health” campaign, led by Public Health England, which will call on people to embrace a healthier lifestyle and to lose weight if they need to, supported by a range of evidence-based tools and apps providing advice on how to reduce the waistline.
The measures in this ‘world-leading’ plan include:
Banning unhealthy food adverts – new laws will ban the advertising of food high in fat, sugar or salt (HFSS) on television and online before 9pm when children are most likely to see them.
Ahead of this, the government will also hold a new short consultation on whether the ban on online adverts for HFSS, should apply at all times of day.
Analysis published by Cancer Research UK from September 2019 shows that almost half (47.6%) of all food adverts shown over the month on ITV1, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky1 were for products high in fat, sugar and salt. This rises to almost 60% during the 6.00 to 9.00pm slot – the time slot where children’s viewing peaks.
Evidence shows that exposure to HFSS advertising can affect what and when children eat, both in the short term and the longer term by shaping children’s preferences at a young age. This is supported by the World Health Organization.
Ending BOGOF promotions – new legislation will restrict the promotion of foods high in fat, sugar, such as ‘buy one get one free’ offers. There will also be a ban on these items being placed in prominent locations in stores, such as at checkouts and entrances, and online.
In the UK we spend more buying food products on promotion than any other European country and a survey from 2018 shows that around 43% of all food and drink products located in prominent areas were for sugary foods and drinks, compared to just 1% for healthy items. Shops will be encouraged to promote healthier choices and offer more discounts on food like fruit and vegetables.
Calorie labelling – new laws will require large restaurants, cafes and takeaways with more than 250 employees to add calorie labels to the food they sell. Research shows eating out is becoming more common, particularly among families, with 75% of people visiting a restaurant, fast food eatery or getting a takeaway in the past week, compared to 69% in 2010.
However, there is often a lack of information about the calorie content of these items and research suggests people consume around 200 more calories a day if they eat out compared to food prepared at home. This new measure will help people make healthier, informed choices as part of a balanced diet.
Alcohol calorie labelling – a new consultation will be launched before the end of the year on plans to provide calorie labelling on alcohol. Alcohol consumption has been estimated to account for nearly 10% of the calorie intake of those who drink, with around 3.4 million adults consuming an additional days’ worth of calories each week – totalling an additional two months of food each year.
But research shows the majority of the public (80%) is unaware of the calorie content of common drinks and many typically underestimate the true content. It is hoped alcohol labelling could lead to a reduction in consumption, improving people’s health and reducing their waistline.
Expanding NHS services – weight management services will be expanded so more people get the support they need to lose weight. This will include more self-care apps and online tools for people with obesity-related conditions and accelerating the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.
From next year doctors will be offered incentives to ensure people living with obesity is given support for weight loss and primary care staff will also have the opportunity to become ‘healthy weight coaches’ though training delivered by Public Health England. Separately, GPs will also be encouraged to prescribe exercise and more social activities to help people keep fit.
Front of pack nutritional labelling – we will launch a consultation to gather views and evidence on our current ‘traffic light’ labelling system to learn more about how this is being used by consumers and industry, compared to international examples.
Our ‘traffic light’ scheme is popular, with 90% of consumers agreeing it helps them make informed decisions when purchasing food. Research shows that people who look at front of pack nutritional labelling are shown to have healthier shopping baskets, fewer calories, less sugar, fat and salt content and higher fibre content
Prime Minister, Boris Johnson said: “Losing weight is hard but with some small changes we can all feel fitter and healthier.If we all do our bit, we can reduce our health risks and protect ourselves against coronavirus – as well as taking pressure off the NHS“.
Health Secretary, Matt Hancock said: “Everyone knows how hard losing weight can be so we are taking bold action to help everyone who needs it. When you’re shopping for your family or out with friends, it’s only fair that you are given the right information about the food you’re eating to help people to make good decisions.
“To help support people we need to reduce unhelpful influences like promotions and adverts that affect what you buy and what you eat. Taken together, supported by an inspiring campaign and new smart tools, will get the country eating healthily and losing the pounds.
“We know obesity increases the risk of serious illness and death from coronavirus – so it’s vital we take action on obesity to protect the NHS and improve our nation’s health.”
Dr Alison Tedstone, Chief Nutritionist at PHE: “These plans are ambitious and rightly so. Tackling obesity will help prevent serious illness and save lives.
“The main reason we put on weight is because of what we eat and drink, but being more active is important too. Making healthier choices easier and fairer for everyone, and ensuring the right support is there for those who need it, is critical in tackling obesity.
“These bold measures will help us tip the scales on obesity. The argument for action is the clearest it’s ever been.”
Overconsumption of calories is one of the most significant contributing factors in becoming overweight. Figures show many adults are consuming 200-300 extra calories a day above recommended daily guidelines with children who are already overweight are consuming up to 500 calories more than they need every day.
The environment we live in plays a significant role in tackling obesity: the information they are given to make those choices; the choices we are offered; and the influences that shape those choices. This will support individual choice and give families a fairer chance to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.
The measures set out today signal a clear commitment from the UK government to support individual efforts and kickstart a national effort to tackle obesity.
WHO evidence showing the impact of advertising food high in fat, sugar and salt on children is available here.
