Title: UK most overweight country in Western Europe says OECD - BBC News
Headings: UK most overweight country in Western Europe says OECD
UK most overweight country in Western Europe says OECD
Britain is the most obese nation in Western Europe, with rates rising faster than any other developed nation.
Adolescent drinking 'problematic'
Health service squeeze

Content: "Obesity means higher risk of chronic illnesses, particularly hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases," the report said. image copyright
Science Photo Library
image caption
The UK obesity rate has doubled over the past two decades
The OECD recognised campaigns to fight obesity, such as the decision by hospitals in England to ban 'super-size' chocolate bars from hospital outlets, and the impending government sugar tax, but said "more could be done". A number of OECD nations, such as Australia and Canada, have managed to reduce and stabilise obesity levels in recent years, but Japan remains lowest at 4%. Britain is, however, doing better at tackling child obesity. Figures show it is stable at 24%, remaining below average over the past decade, at a time when it is increasing rapidly across the rest of Europe. Adolescent drinking 'problematic'
Although smoking rates are down, harmful alcohol consumption among adolescents continues to be a problem. image caption
The OECD said drunkenness among adolescents remained a concern
The OECD found that 30.5% of 15-year-olds admit to having been drunk at least twice in their life. This is considerably higher than the 22% average. Health service squeeze
Good access to treatment remains stable for patients, although the number of doctors and nurses is down per head by 18 and 12% respectively. The report praises improvement in some cancer outcomes, with the survival rate for breast and rectal cancer surpassing the average for the first time.