Doncaster and Corby have something in common. They both have an obesity problem. It is a problem that both the Government and local health care professionals are becoming very concerned about. Why? There are two reasons. The first, which was highlighted recently in an ITV News Special piece on obesity, is cost. Obesity related diseases are costing the Doncaster Primary Care Trust £91 million a year. In a population of 67,000 that represents £1400 per person. The second reason is that obesity is sapping the strength of the community. People in these two communities face a life where they will be unable to reach their true potential, they are very likely to have health problems and their old age will not be one that they will enjoy.

It’s a frightening to realise that obesity now costs the NHS £4.2 billion in 2008 and by 2015 the cost will have risen to £6.3 billion.

In 2050 the number of men who will be obese will have risen to 60% and 40% of women will be obese too. The cost does not bear thinking about. Unless something is done, either the NHS will not be able to deliver the health care we currently enjoy or taxes will go through the roof.

Obesity is a condition that is entirely preventable. It is unacceptable that we should allow it to become a burden on society. It is not only the greatest health challenge we have ever faced it is the greatest threat to the future prosperity of the nation.

The reason why obesity crisis is showing no sign of improvement and is actually getting worse, is that there is a new dimension to the problem. Obesity has become socially contagious. The main driver of the increase in levels of obesity is a social one.

To be overweight or obese is now considered to be acceptable.

It has become a new social norm. There is no stigma, threat or criticism. Recent studies have shown that if you are overweight or obese you are very likely to mix with people who are overweight or obese. You have a 60% chance of being overweight or obese if your friends are obese. If you are an overweight or obese parent there is a 40% chance that your children will be either overweight or obese.

The fact that obesity is socially contagious actually offers some exciting opportunities that could transform the way we deal the obesity crisis. The reason for this optimism? It’s that if obesity is socially contagious, then being slim can be socially contagious too.

Changing people’s behaviour, their eating and lifestyle habits, is the best way forward. Learning new habits, slim habits, is the most effective way to change behaviour. When you modify small behaviours (habits), it is easier to change complex behaviours. The Slim Habit behaviour change programme uses this method.

By involving the community in a programme of behaviour change a social solution to the obesity problem becomes possible. Why? Because a group of people within a community with the same goals and aspirations can offer each other unrivalled support. Organised into groups and given education, advice and support – and a good behaviour change programme, the power of community can be mobilised to be the driver of change. Obesity has become a social problem, but it has a social solution.