Obesity Police

| by Victor Cherubim

( May 31, 2013, London, Sri Lanka Guardian) Many in Sri Lanka often associate Police officers’ ability to enforce law and order and particularly to tackle crime, by their composure, girth and height. They are the symbols of virility, prowess, strength and superiority. In fact over the years, recruits to the service had to conform to guidelines for admission to their ranks. But recently however, there have been questions raised about fitness, as they pass in age and service.

In the UK however, all recruits had to be in good health and be fit both physically and mentally to undertake police duties. They are required to meet strict criteria with satisfactory height to weight ratio, using Body Mass Index (BMI) measurement. Generally, these BMI measurements should range between19-30 classified as normal weight range. Measurements outside this range may require deferment until an appropriate weight is achieved. Besides, applicants need to have above average core muscular stability. Medical and fitness requirements have always been enforced, but have now become more stringent for Police service.

A way of overcoming these guidelines was by the recruitment of Special Constables. They wear the same uniform as regular police officers, have the same powers and responsibilities. They enjoy all the variety of policing and come from all walks of life, as volunteers working 16 hours of their time a week.

After years of service in the Regular Police Force, many officers have grown in stature and waistlines have expanded. Some say this is a “bonus” of their duty, their beat, their eating habits etc. Others maintain the Metropolitan Police in London “recent review found 52% of male officers were overweight, 22% were obese and 1% was morbidly obese.” Further the recently commissioned Tom Winsor review recommended officers to face annual fitness tests. Anyone who fails fitness tests should be put on restricted duties, lose nearly £3000 a year from their pay and ultimately be dismissed. This is considered a necessary protection for officers and the public.

All this has come to light in view of the spending cuts and the “economic tip toe on eggshells.” Costs have to be cuts; numbers have to be trimmed, but services simultaneously not to be compromised. This was a tall order and of course a difficult task in today’s Britain.

Obese Police is one thing, but policing obesity is a different matter.

To add to the scenario of Obesity Police there is also food poverty.”While food poverty in austerity stricken Britain, nears half a million people now dependent on food banks to give out free food to those who need.”Rising food prices, rising joblessness and stagnant economy are contributing to more people using and dependent on food banks compared to this time last year.

Obesity is a problem around the world, particularly in the developed world. We now hear of Airlines contemplating charging air fares on body weight of passengers – a novel way of recouping fares for use of two seats. There are then the super sized offerings of meals in restaurants which we are told is banned in New York by Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

We know of a campaign to treat makers of fizzies, junk food and alcohol the same way as tobacco companies and be forced to comply with tough rules on everything from packaging to labelling to marketing.

It is a tricky thing to police obesity. But some demand action. Others say weight is a non issue as associations between overweight /obesity and premature maturity, the risks are modest and the jury is still out.

In Sri Lanka, we continue to maintain that there are alternatives to contain obesity. Less eating meat, more exercise, more fresh air, lower calorie alternatives and vegetable diets can help to ease the obesity problem.

In the West, obese related disease rates and health care costs are on the increase dramatically over the next twenty years. By contrast the analysis also shows how to prevent obesity related diseases and how to dramatically reduce health care costs, if the average BMI is reduced by just 5% by 2030. Has the present economic uncertainty anything to do with obesity or vice versa?

So often the answer to anything is more policing. Obesity is everybody’s business. It is the responsibility of individuals however, to change their eating habits, their behaviour patterns, and their exercise routine for a meaningful existence. The right balance between the individual and society’s needs and wants, is what Mother Nature ordained.

Everything in moderation is what the Buddha taught.