Being over-weight is now the second greatest, avoidable risk to UK citizens of developing a range of cancers, including those of the colon, kidneys and ovaries (http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/obesity-weight-and-cancer). The risk is apparently increased even when individuals are not clinically obese. The 'obesity epidemic' seen in this country seems to be occurring even early in childhood (meaning that the condition will generally persist for longer) and is likely to have a major impact on life-time health costs. Some people are apparently concerned that claiming the link amounts to 'fat shaming' and maybe counterproductive in encouraging folk to change their lifestyles. I personally feel that people have to be told of the link (as they were for the link between smoking and cancer) to at least have the option of reducing their risk (remembering that risk is a tricky concept, meaning that becoming virtuous gives no guarantees!).
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