Study by Bristol researchers to examine obesity treatment

Clinical researchers at the University of Bristol are studying treatment options for obesity, after a survey on behalf of National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) found more than four in 10 people in the West have noticed an increase in local obesity levels in the last five years. Despite the findings, the same survey shows that around three-quarters of the public in this region have a clear understanding of the most important causes of obesity: overeating and lack of exercise. This suggests that with obesity levels in the UK having almost trebled in the last 30 years, public understanding is not solving the problem. Dr Mary Perkins, chief operating officer at NIHR Clinical Research Network: West of England, believes clinical research can help to reframe the debate: "We've talked about diet and exercise for a long time. This survey shows the message is getting through, but statistics tell us the impact is negligible. "People need more options. Clinical research is playing a vital role in developing better and more cost effective treatments for people who are obese.