Evidence of the worsening obesity crisis in Britain continues to mount up as the NHS has reportedly had to purchase new stronger scales from the USA. The extra strong equipment, previously only available in the U.S., is manufactured by Welch Allyn, and can weigh people up to 62 stone. The new scales are specially designed and come with high digital displays that do not get obscured by the patient’s stomach. The cost of the scales to the NHS will be several thousand pounds. Tam Fry, from the National Obesity Forum,  believes that “the buying of the scales was a reflection on just how unhealthy the nation has come, as obese people are getting more obese and doctors will require bigger instrumentation with which to measure them.” The national figures for obesity levels across the UK for both adults and and children make worrying reading. Currently, 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 3 children are classified as being clinically obese. If the trend continues then it has been predicted that by 2050 over half of all women and two thirds of men will be obese. There are a number of options available to people who struggle to lose weight, including weight loss pills such as Xenical and Alli. These are most effective when the patient also adopts a healthier diet and lifestyle.