THE news delivers daily predictions of death and disaster. Will we succumb to avian flu, or be a victim of some terror outrage?

As we contemplate these fears over a TV dinner, the far more immediate threat is under our noses. Couch potatoes and chips is a killer combination.

Today York GP Dr David Fair warned an obesity epidemic was one of the biggest threats to health. Most worrying is the number of fat children who know nothing about the need for healthy food and exercise.

It is time we learned to shape up. Few need to take the drastic step of surgery like Lynn Carter, but she proves that losing weight offers a new lease of life.

Updated: 09:11 Tuesday, November 29, 2005