Obese blamed for global warming

18 May, 2008, 17:24

The world’s greatest minds have mulled over the problem of global warming. But so far nobody has been able to explain the root causes of the phenomenon, let alone propose viable solutions. However, research in the UK suggests that fat people could at least be partly responsible for heating up the planet.

The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine claims that an overweight person consumes 18 per cent more energy than a slimmer one over a lifetime.

In order to feed the heavyweight army, supermarkets need to be stocked with more food, which inevitably leads to higher fuel consumption. Besides, the research claims, fat people use more warm water, and are more dependent on private transport. All these things have a strong negative impact on the environment, according to the study.

The researchers, nevertheless, rule out draconian measures against fat people. Instead, they plump for more ads and campaigns, encouraging overweight citizens to be more aware of their diet.