On an average, the total deaths resulting from coronary heart disease comprise around 94,000 each year. Obesity and Diabetes also maintain similar statistics. Data collected from NHS demonstrate that, about one in six boys of 11-15 (18%) years age group and one in five girls (19%) are categorized as obese. It is illustrated that the diagnosis of obesity (in adults, children and elderly) and diabetes together with the associated problems would cost the government of United Kingdom, a total of 5.8 billion pounds (House of Commons, 2012). .
Regardless of the financial implications and deaths caused, the issue of withdrawing treatment possesses wider implications. The question of whether the patients with coronary heart disease, diabetes and obesity must receive free NHS treatment is based on the notion that these individuals are less deserving of assistance because they have made lifestyle choices which have damaged their health (House of Commons, 2012). Sustaining in a free society, though indicate that people have right to make own decisions and choices, even if the result obtained reflect negative consequences. Some individuals indicate that the threat of withdrawing the availability of free NHS treatment may act as an incentive to promote people in choosing and following a healthier lifestyle. But, in reality, this is a misconception. Certain individuals are driven by compulsion to perform activities, which are damaging for their health. If the idea of withdrawing treatment for obese, diabetic and cardiac patients is just the start, what is the status for people who involve in unprotected sex and witness themselves in venereal disease? The latter groups of people are completely aware about the risks beforehand, yet they still choose to participate in activities, which are deleterious to their health (Khalid, 1993). .
The question whether health care rights of an individual must be altered, based on the personal choices includes wide range of implications for all who gain their involvement in hazardous behaviours.