New research findings that reinforce the crucial links between diet, lifestyle and health are regularly published these days. Alongside the science are the frightening statistics concerning obesity rates, heart disease, cancer and most recently, types II diabetes. The basic link between lifestyle and health is no longer in question, but the best ways to go about improving the health of the nation remains a constant debate and struggle – there appears to be no simple solution, but complex science often loses sight of the fact that we are what we eat!

Food plays an important role in health throughout the life cycle, starting in the foetus where nutrients are required in specific amounts to ensure the correct development of all organs and linear growth; throughout childhood where maximum growth is achieved; and into adulthood where weight maintenance is important along with a balanced diet to prevent/prolong the initiation of disease.

We have known for some time that the increasing rates of obesity over the last 30 years are more closely related to TV viewing figures (hours/week) and the number of cars per household, than to how much we eat. It has now become a high profile media issue, with the slimming industry experiencing major growth. The fact is our energy and fat intake has reduced, however energy expenditure has reduced by even more – hence a net increase in weight over time, (Prentice & Jebb, 1995).

Even more disturbing is the revelation that type II diabetes is now occurring in children as young as 13. Type II diabetes is increasingly common in overweight older adults, who are at significantly increased risk of developing the disease, although until now, it has been rare in children. If current obesity trends continue, type II diabetes is likely to affect more children, who consequently will be more susceptible to premature cardiovascular disease.