MP WEIGHED DOWN BY EXTRA FOUR STONES

12.00.00am GMT Fri 15th Feb 2008

Local MP, Sandra Gidley has today gained a graphic - if somewhat uncomfortable - insight into the world of obesity.

Weight-loss management organisation 'Lighter Life' arranged for the Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Minister to don a fat suit for the afternoon to demonstrate what it felt like to be four stones over her normal weight.

Sandra said:

"I struggled to get dressed; I struggled to bend down to tie my shoe laces with all this extra weight I am carrying. I am exhausted."

The was the MP's verdict only minutes after donning the fat suit that not only saw her frame inflated but added the extra pounds and stones as well with metal weights crammed into hidden pockets to give a very real impression of what being obese would do to her as an individual.

She added:

"I am doing this because it is important for me to experience obesity for myself and also to raise awareness of the issues surrounding the obesity epidemic.

"If we do not tackle obesity, it will bankrupt the health service. It is costing about £7 billion pounds a year now, and that figure is rising all the time.

"People need to be aware just what dangers come with being obese. It can lead to a whole range of conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer and other medical problems along with increased risk of arthritis with the pressure of weight on the joints."

Mrs Gidley acknowledged that the government had announced a strategy to tackle the obesity epidemic but felt that the emphasis should shift toward preventing the problem rather than treating it once it had happened.

Sandra said:

"There is a need to encourage people to adopt a less sedentary lifestyle and redesign our towns and cities in a way that encourages people to walk, cycle or take exercise more often.

Sandra Gidley MP getting out of her car in the 'fat suit'

ENDS