06 October 2014 - The Conversation - Who you calling an elephant? Animals have weight issues too

In the US more than 50% of cats and dogs are obese or overweight, just 10% less than the human population. Obese people are less likely to recognise that their pet is also obese: a body perception failure which will result in a cramped sofa. Thus, the world obesity crisis is not just affecting humans but also the animals that live with us.

Just as with humans, obesity has an extremely negative effect on animal health, and their causes appear to be similar: sedentary life style and easily available energy rich foods. In both humans and animals the consequences include diabetes, cancer, hypertension or heart-disease. In the case of pets we are killing them with “kindness”.