Sir, The World Cancer Research Fund shares the Government’s alarm at the obesity crisis now facing the UK (report, February 19). Obesity is implicated in a whole host of diseases. Diabetes and heart disease are well known; less well known is the link with cancers of the breast, prostate and bowel. An “eat less, move more” campaign has never been more urgently needed.

Introducing fiscal incentives to choose healthier foods might seem an attractive option but it needs to be based on good science. Increasing the price of burgers and other foods that are high in saturated fats might help to prevent heart disease, but simply focusing on all fat may have little impact on heart disease or obesity. The less well off, who are most at risk, could be hardest hit, and because fat consumption is similar between rich and poor, this could actually increase the disparity.

More important for weight control is the number of calories in the food, as well as physical activity. Many people turn to processed foods styled as “lower fat” without realising they are stacked high in calories because of added sugar. Low fat is not the same as low calorie.

Reducing calorie intake with reduced portion size and increased physical activity are still the simple golden rules of long-term weight control.

Yours faithfully,
MARTIN WISEMAN
(Medical and Scientific Adviser),
World Cancer Research Fund,
19 Harley Street, W1G 9QJ.
m.wiseman@wcrf.org
February 19.

From Mrs Linda Evans

Sir, I was deeply concerned to find that the fatbusters’ hit list included full-fat milk.

Full-fat or whole milk (as opposed to skimmed or semi-skimmed milk) contains only 4 per cent fat. It is therefore a low-fat food. Milk has many nutritional benefits, particularly to children and adolescents, and is an essential part of a healthy and balanced diet.

Yours faithfully,
LINDA EVANS,
Mynydd Mostyn, Pen-yr-Allt,
Holywell, Flintshire CH8 9DD.
February 19.

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