Obesity prevalence is increasing around the world and the United Kingdom is no exception. Latest statistics show that approximately 25% of the UK population is obese and is predicted to rise to 70% by 2020 if present trends continue. Obesity is particularly widespread in Scotland where approximately 62% of the population are of a BMI over 25kg/m2. Curtailing obesity rates is a public health priority as excess weight is also the greatest predictor of other co-morbidities such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes, and hence collectively exerts a significant toll on the health and economic burden of the country.