The headlines running this morning such as “Obesity has become ‘a national threat’ to the UK like terrorism” and ‘Obesity in women is a national risk’ will certainly not do much for some women’s confidence today. Official reports show that over half of women reaching their 30’s are overweight or obese, a statistic that is undeniably worrying. So are these shock tactics by the newspapers and the country’s most senior doctor, Professor Dame Sally Davies, really required in order to drive change forward?

Possibly, yes.

Some of this latest report focuses on obesity in pregnancy because it increases the risk of miscarriage and premature birth, while resulting children carry a higher risk of heart disease and of becoming obese themselves. And looking beyond that obesity usually shortens life span and inevitably impacts on quality of life.

The risk in this latest report and the accompanying big headlines is of course to add further burden on many women, creating further guilt and responsibility. Yet it also serves as a wake up call, particularly as people begin thinking about their new year’s resolutions. Because whilst it may be painful to hear, it’s never too late to do something about it and the moment we do, we undoubtedly start to feel better about ourselves and about life itself.

The media has been incessant for decades in providing us with an ideal of the body. People are complaining about emotional eating and over-eating in record numbers, with many living in silent unhappiness about how they look and what they eat. If you’re in any doubt:

90% of women disapprove of their body

Over 98% of people that lose weight in a weight loss diet gain it back within 2 years

50% of people deal with fatigue due to body size

At least 70% of all diseases can be prevented by health eating

Anywhere between 20%-80% of people are on a diet or think they should be

Yet at the same time, the paradox’s are apparent. People are tired of the same old messages about food, nutrition and health. Many of us would love to let go of the inner struggle around body image and weight and have a healthier relationship with food – a way of eating and living that leaves us truly nourished and fulfilled. Such possibilities do exist.

If you feel it’s time for a fresh, new conversation when it comes to eating, time for a personal breakthrough, then have a look at our latest workshop, Weekday Raw. It’s just one of the options open to you if you’re fed up with being on the latest statistics lists.