Gene sequence puts half of UK population at greater risk of obesity, researchers say

Scientists have discovered a genetic code that may help curb obesity, diabetes and heart disease

60,000 doctors to be trained to spot patients’ alcohol problems

Identification and treatment of alcohol misuse to be part of the compulsory curriculum for undergraduate doctors

Anger over peer’s ‘sex and booze’ nurses slur

A Tory peer who branded nurses 'grubby, drunken and promiscuous' during a Lords debate faces a backlash

Schools make children more obese, leading doctor says

Schools are making children more overweight, says leading GP, who blames lack of exercise and break times spent sitting by computers

GPs in standoff with government over longer surgery hours

Health secretary writes to every GP in England urging them to accept plans to extend their surgery opening hours, despite BMA objections

Overweight people could be offered cash to lose pounds

· Government health idea follows US study· Children are main focus of ministers' obesity strategy

Food labels simplified in anti-obesity fight

A promise to introduce a single, simple food labelling scheme this year, ending the contradictory and confusing systems, will form the centrepiece of the government's anti-obesity drive today.

Government’s obesity fight is toothless, MPs claim

A £372m government strategy aimed at cutting obesity in England fails to impress opposition MPs and health experts

£75m campaign to tackle child obesity

The government has pledged £75m to create an anti-obesity campaign to help tackle the problem of expanding waistlines among children. By Mark Sweney

Fat is a psychological issue

Yvonne Roberts: Health campaigners should stop accusing parents of abuse or neglect for child obesity and eating disorders, as the reasons are far more complex.