The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Gigantic 'fatberg' on display in London to highlight health consequences of Christmas over-indulgence
South Bank sculpture made from real lard encourages Brits to think seriously about over-eating and dangers of obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A gigantic "fatberg" made of real lard appeared in central London today.
The huge mass is the height of a London bus and is more than 10 feet wide, and surfaced along the city’s South Bank.
It’s hoped the massive mound of disgusting fat will encourage Brits to seriously think about the health impacts - inside and out - of overindulging over the Christmas period.
The fatberg, made by preventative healthcare service Thriva, was created following a survey of 2,000 young professionals that found they gained 4.41lbs during Yuletide.
Hamish Grierson, co-founder of Thriva, said: “Even though most people see the benefits of a regular check-in on their health, very few actually do it because it’s such a pain to organise.
“As well as getting their bodies back into shape at the gym, we want to encourage Brits to consider what’s going on inside, as well as outside this January.”
The research also found 11 per cent of those polled will have abandoned their January health kick by today – rising to 37 percent by the end of the week.
One in 10 admit they are half a stone heavier this month than they were at the beginning of last month.
This equates to a collective national weight gain of 131,296 tonnes - twice as heavy as HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Amid this, 56 per of working millennials admit they drank to excess during December - with wine and beer the most popular tipples.
One in five admitted to having a social cigarette and 10 per cent enjoyed a cigar at some point over the holidays.
Eighty per cent are worried about the consequences of this overindulgence on their physical appearance – but just half are concerned about the effect on their internal health.
Physical attributes such as stomach rolls, "love handles" and "bingo wings" are bigger worries for those polled than iron levels, liver function and even risk of diabetes.
Amid this, separate studies have found three in five UK adults have raised or abnormal blood cholesterol and over four million currently live with diabetes.
While another seven million are estimated to have prediabetes.
Studies have also shown triglycerides, a cholesterol marker that represents the level of fat in the blood, typically raises 10 percent between December and January among Brits.
Hamish Grierson added: “Thriva provides at home, finger-prick blood tests to help people better understand their future health risk and improve their wellbeing.
“It analyses levels of cholesterol and essential vitamins as well as the function of key organs.
“We set up Thriva to make it quick, painless and affordable to get the vital information about what's going on inside your body.
“With a simple, home blood test you can take back control of your health.”
SWNS
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments