Obesity is a big problem. It is the second biggest cause of cancer. People who are overweight are more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. Furthermore, women are more likely to have complications during and after pregnancy. A recent report estimated that in England 30,000 deaths per year are obesity-related. Not surprisingly, the healthcare cost implications are very significant. Society, be that government or individuals, have a responsibility to address this problem.

Juxtaposed the issue of obesity is the growing problem with eating disorders in the young. A report released today suggests that young people are increasingly concerned about their bodies. More than half of girls aged 12 to 16 years felt that their body image adversely affected their relationships with boys. It is this negative view of body image that leads to the onset of an eating disorder. Research indicates that the typical age of onset for an eating disorder is between 14 and 25 years. We know that the present younger generation are bombarded by images of thin women; the ‘body beautiful’ sells clothes, music and films. The recent furore over ‘size zero’ fashion models highlighted the public’s growing concern about the adverse impact of such images. With these reminders of supposedly ‘ideal’ bodies, in combination with the well-documented teenage stresses of exams, peer pressure and family conflict, is it any wonder that eating disorders in the young are on the increase? Indeed, what about the increasing incidence of depressive illness in puberty?

So, in the light of the growing incidence of anorexia and bulimia, addressing the issue of obesity in children becomes more difficult. One clearly must avoid sending the wrong message about ideal body form to young people. As a GP, I have unfortunately encountered the ramifications of eating disorders and depression. The frequency of these problems are sadly on the increase. Of particular concern to me, however, is that over 20% of boys and almost 30% of girls are either overweight or obese. Those statistics contribute significantly to the fact that Type 2 diabetes is projected to increase over the coming decades. So much so, that it is thought that 25% of the entire NHS budget will be taken up treating diabetes alone by 2025. Hence, this childhood obesity phenomenon needs addressing now.

Some research has indicated that an increased awareness of body image can be of benefit when addressing childhood obesity. A study by a team from Bath University divided children into two groups – only one of the groups was asked to draw pictures of themselves (an apparently subtle approach to eliciting ideas about self-image). Both groups were then shown two adverts about healthy breakfasts – one urging children to slim down, the other providing educational information about the benefits of eating well. The study found that 75% of those who had been asked to draw pictures of themselves before viewing the adverts had felt encouraged to eat more healthily and do more exercise. Interestingly, only 58% of the other group responded in the same way, the conclusion being that getting young people to think about themselves made them much more receptive to healthy eating campaigns. More food for thought I believe (pun not intended).

I am a firm believer in choice in life. However, that freedom of choice applies to adults not children, since they are not fully informed, competent individuals. For that reason, society does have a responsibility to look after its young. Government is a part of society and hence as an important role in legislating to protect children. Part of that involves responsibility for getting tough on childhood obesity. Not by being ‘fattist’, but by promoting healthier lifestyles in our children. For example, we need to encourage competitive sport in school, not sell off playing fields to local developers. School catering standards must be improved and maintained to guarantee a decent diet for our children. Not only that, we should also be drawing parents’ attention to the food they are buying for their children, and not be shy to indicate where mistakes are being made. I believe public information films have a role here.

Obesity shortens life and it can kill. Eating disorders can also ruin lives and kill. Getting the balance right on body imagery for young people is difficult, however, to do nothing would be wrong. Not only do doctors and parents have roles to play, the media, and in particular, advertisers, need to recognise their own responsibilities to the society in which they operate. If you think sending out the wrong message about body image cannot harm, have a look at this (Hat Tip: MT).

Applications to universities have risen according to UCAS. Are we to be happy about this? The Labour government has long had the ambition of 50% of school leavers securing a ‘university’ education. Evidence to suggest this policy benefits all is to my mind pretty scanty.

Last year, a report suggested that some students had regretted taking their degrees. One third of graduates when asked by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) thought they had done the wrong degree. Furthermore, the increase in average starting salaries between those who graduated in 2000 and 2005 was found to be just 8%. Worryingly, one-third of those who graduated in 2005 were failing to contribute to a pensions saving scheme. Despite these woeful statistics, three-quarters of graduates indicated that their degree had allowed them to develop better communication and presentation skills, and generally built their self-confidence. So, not all bad then! I am not convinced that one needs to undertake an expensive three year ‘degree’ course to achieve personal development. Apprenticeships could serve the same purpose, and in view of graduate employment prospects, provide a more likely route into work.

Where and when was it written that half of the population would benefit from a university education? Once upon a time, university was a place for the academically gifted. Degrees were conferred that had value and were recognised by industry as evidence of intellectual achievement. Are we sure that this remains the case? Baroness Deech has reported today that degree courses can encourage cheating. She said that the structure of a typical degree course was far from ideal: “Everything is processed. Instead of students sitting and reading and listening and writing their own material, everything is presented visually.” Not particularly encouraging is it?

Labour’s problem is that it is not elitist. Indeed, elitism is a dirty word for most Socialists, e.g. note their strong objections to grammar schools. Universities, however, exist to find the elite, support them and educate them. Indeed, they are sustained by the very same elite, as it is they who either stay to educate the next generation or go into industry and generate wealth. It is that wealth generation which Britain needs if it is to have the hospitals, schools, universities, police and armed forces that most Britons desire. The importance of a successful and well-funded tertiary education sector cannot be over stated.

I am in favour of every individual in this country fulfillling his or her potential. Our country cannot afford to squander talent of any form. I am not convinced, however, that the fulfilment of that potential necessarily involves undertaking a degree course. What about apprenticeships? What about just going to work after school? Tony Blair may be quite rightly highlighting the university funding problem today. He would do better, however, to get the quality of the product right first. What is it about this government? Why do they insist upon spending our money before the necessary reforms are in place?

The picture above is of school children playing in the snow at a school in Canada. Janet Daley happens to be from Canada. I always find her Telegraph columns stimulating reading. It is fair to say she hardly pulls her punches on most issues. I do not always agree with her ‘take’ on things, however, today’s piece got me thinking.

Last Thursday, I went to work as usual. It had been snowing overnight, however, I had a surgery to attend in Slough and a long list of patients to see. The thought of me not going to work never crossed my mind. Not only would I have thought it unjustified and unprofessional of me to cancel my surgery, I also, because I am self-employed, would not have been paid. And quite rightly so. To be honest, the roads in my area were completely fine. So I was surprised to hear that evening that my niece, who lives a few miles away from me, had not been to primary school . Reason? – according to the Bucks County Council site, teachers from her school (which I had actually driven by) were unable to make it into work! As a consequence of the closure, members of my family had to take time off from their work to look after my niece. How many other people had to do the same across the country? What was the cost to economic productivity of that single school closure? I have since read that absenteeism from work across the country on Thursday was up 300%.

Over the weekend, I found myself speaking to my grandfather about his attitude to missing work because of the weather. He told me a story from his working days, a period in British history when ‘good’ jobs were more scare. Apparently, he had agreed to perform a particular duty at work on a Sunday morning (no extra pay). Despite there being deep snow (much deeper than the few inches we all enjoyed last week), he trudged for six miles to fulfil his duties. “That’s what you did back then”, he said.

I guess my point is that getting to work on Thursday was about attitude. As far as I am concerned there was no reason not to attend my surgery. The ‘health and safety’ defence often referred to by schools and teachers’ unions clearly did not apply to GP practices or hospitals. It would appear to be about work culture. I have a friend who was undertaking her teacher-training attachment not too far from where I live. She left it part way through, citing one reason as being the ‘work-shy’ attitude in the staff room, where some were running a “sick leave rota”. Now, I accept that this may have be an isolated example, however, with the spate of seemingly unnecessary school closures last week, I am now not so sure.

I suspect the majority of self-employed people made it to work on Thursday. Small businesses cannot afford to take unnecessary time off. That got me to thinking about how schools are funded. Maybe schools should be run like small businesses? – independent status, teacher contract negotiation at a local level, share-options for successful teachers? Or would that be unfeasible? Pity if it was, because when it matters to your pocket, it is amazing what you will endure to get to work.

Yesterday evening on Radio 4, The World in a Briefcase told another story illustrating the brilliance of British scientific research. In 1940, a team of British scientists left these shores carrying information about a number of British scientific discoveries. Their destination was the USA. In return for this valuable information, the Americans were to supply financial and industrial help to us to fight the Nazis. One of the inventions, the cavity magnetron, has since been described by military historians as one “that changed the world”.

The cavity magnetron (pictured above) was developed by John Turton Randall and Harry Boot at Birmingham University. It was the first practical device for producing microwaves. It allowed for the development of radars that could produce clear images of distant objects. These devices were then to be placed on ships and airplanes. Their widespread use clearly played a decisive part in the outcome of World War II. The device was also the ancestor of the microwave owen beloved by most of us today.

I mention this story as it illustrates the power of ideas and inventions. The British have a proud history of innovation. That innovative prowess is dependent upon an education system that discovers, nurtures and financially supports the great thinkers of each generation. Britain’s position in the global order will not be maintained by concentrating solely upon services and what we have left of a manufacturing base. It will be supported by continuing to compete in idea development. It is consequently in the interest of all Britons that our education system finds and educates the brightest to their full potential. The success of these men and women may very well underpin the future British economy. Without a vibrant, competitive economy we can forget about more hospitals, prisons and schools. I believe that discovering and nurturing talent is the key to future British economic success.

Politicians should stop trying to be cool and get on with running the country – Cheryl Cole

Thank you to the New Statesman for giving me the opportunity to post a picture of Girls Aloud. According to the Guardian today, they have given the esteemed journal an interview about their take on politics. Cheryl, in particular, had plenty to say, a lot of which made sense. She even called for the re-introduction of grammar schools…