National Obesity Campaign gets backing from Local MP, Annette Brooke

11.47.37am GMT Mon 21st Mar 2005

The national charity, The Obesity Awareness & Solution Trust (TOAST), dedicated to encouraging a better understanding of obesity thanked, Annette Brooke MP today for backing a cross party Motion in the House of Commons supporting the National Obesity Awareness Week 13th-18th March.

Annette Brooke is one of a group of over 60 MPs who have signed an Early Day Motion 857, which calls upon the Government to recognise the wider causes of obesity, which are related to social circumstances, such self-confidence and self esteem. The motion highlights the need for better access to a range of possible solutions in relation to obesity.

TOAST argues that obesity is a complex and multifaceted problem, which cannot be addressed simply by a eat less, exercise more approach. According to TOAST, identifying the causes of obesity and recognising it is often a symptom of an underlying problem, rather that just a problem itself, is essential to long term weight management.

To mark the fifth Obesity Awareness Week, TOAST is launching a Help & Information Line, accessible both by phone and e-mail, to provide support for those whose lives are affected by obesity.

Louise Diss, Director of TOAST, said:

"We have been campaigning for several years to ensure that the issues relating to obesity are high on the public agenda. TOAST intends to continue to open all eyes and minds to the problems, not least that obesity is multifaceted problem that requires a wide range of solutions.

"We are launching the Help & Information Line in direct response to the level of demand that we have had for this type of support service."