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London, Feb 21 (IANS) The obesity epidemic in the United Kingdom has overtaken two-thirds of the male population, leaving less than a third in the ideal weight category, considering that there might also be those with less than normal weight, according to a new finding. Experts sounded a warning that the out-of-control problem has caused tripling in the numbers hospitalised because of obesity. Data from the National Health Service showed that the proportion of men now considered a healthy weight, with a body mass index of between 18.5 and 25, reduced from 41 percent in 1993 to 34 percent in 2011. At the same time, the number of women with a healthy BMI, calculated by dividing weight by height squared, dropped from 50 percent to 39 percent, the Telegraph reports. One in four men and women in the UK are now considered obese, with a BMI of more than 30, with the rest classed as overweight. The obesity crisis in children in the UK may be levelling off as the figures showed that 31 percent of boys aged two to 15 were considered obese or overweight in 2011, the same as the previous year. In girls, 28 percent were classed as obese or overweight in 2011, compared with 29 percent in 2010. The report also showed that purchases of fresh and processed fruit and vegetables in the UK have been on a downward trend since 2008. Purchases for fruit were 4.1 per cent lower in 2011 compared to 2008. And the amount of vegetables purchased in the UK reduced by 2.4 percent - with a 6.6 percent reduction in purchases of fresh green vegetables.
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