UK government must address excess weight problem

Katharine Jenner, Director of the Obesity Health Alliance, explains why the future leaders of the UK Government must commit to addressing the high levels of excess weight in the UK population

As a group of leading health charities, campaign groups and medical Royal Colleges, the Obesity Health Alliance (OHA) are deeply concerned that, unless bold action is taken, excess weight will continue to drive unacceptable inequalities in health outcomes.

These inequalities result in huge differences between the richest and poorest places in the UK, as well as piling pressure on the NHS, driving down economic productivity and forcing thousands of people out of the workforce.

Two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese

We know that the situation is serious. Two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese^[1]. More than one in three children is above a healthy weight by the time they leave primary school^[2]. In deprived communities, childhood obesity rates are over twice as high as in the most affluent areas^[3].

The poorest Britons are trapped in a broken food system

Fortunately, the next elected Government has a massive opportunity to empower people to live freer, healthier and happier lives. This can be achieved by building on the successes of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL) and empowering local communities to make the places they live healthier.

Unhealthy food has been made so available that it is almost unavoidable. It is heavily promoted and significantly more affordable than healthier options.

People are not choosing to be unhealthy. Britons, especially the poorest in our society, are trapped in a broken food system. Unhealthy food has been made so available that it is almost unavoidable. It is heavily promoted and significantly more affordable than healthier options. We must enable people to break out of this ‘junk food cycle’ by making the healthiest choices the easiest choice^[4].

Excess weight causes avoidable health conditions

Excess weight leads to a vast array of avoidable health conditions, increasing costs to lives and the NHS. In 2019/2020, there were over one million NHS admissions in England, where obesity was a factor^[5]. In 2022/23, the NHS is expected to treat up to a further 1,000 children a year for severe complications related to their obesity^[6].

New research estimates that patients living with obesity cost the NHS twice as much as those in a healthy weight range^[7]. Furthermore, Frontier Economics estimates that the NHS spends £6.5 billion annually on treating obesity-related ill health in England alone^[8].

Without a doubt, excess weight is keeping people out of the workforce. People living with obesity take four extra sick days a year on average – that’s a whopping 37 million extra sick days in the UK. Another £4 billion is spent on welfare support for obesity-related inactivity^[9]. Obesity and its associated illnesses are also major contributing factors to the 2.5 million British adults currently out of work due to long-term sickness^[10].

Why addressing obesity is crucial for improving sustainability, productivity and the economy

Taking action on obesity is not only cost-effective but also a crucial step in creating a sustainable and growing economy by improving productivity and reducing ill-health-related inactivity.

The public certainly wants this to change, but many struggles to break free of an environment that is drenched in fat, salt and sugar.

This comes as new YouGov national polling data suggests the British public overwhelmingly wants action from politicians to create a healthier environment for every child.

For example, eight out of 10 adults support the Government banning advertising of unhealthy food on TV/online (only 5% of adults strongly oppose a ban)^[11]. 68% would like to see the SDIL model expanded to other unhealthy food & drink. Only 7% of adults strongly oppose an expansion of the levy.

How can we empower local leaders to make meaningful change

Across the country, we hear from local leaders who are eager to make their communities healthier but often lack the powers and resources to do so. Voters want to empower local communities –75% think councils should be able to restrict advertising near schools, & playgrounds. There is support all over the country and for all voters.

Whilst the public is crystal clear in their appetite for government intervention, what isn’t clear is why every government for decades failed to take the necessary action to improve people’s lives. In the last 30 years, there have been nearly 700 government recommendations for addressing obesity in England, and very few were implemented.^[12]

We are now asking policymakers to first get behind our vision to prioritise children’s health, build on what works, and empower local communities. Then, together, we will find the art of the possible.

References

1. NHS Digital, Health Survey for England 2021 [accessed 17th May 2023]
2. Gov.uk Obesity Profile: statistical commentary December 2022 [accessed 17th May 2023]
3. Gov.uk Obesity Profile: statistical commentary December 2022 [accessed 17th May 2023]
4. Gov.uk Government Food Strategy [accessed 17th May 2023]
5. NHS Digital. Statistics on obesity [accessed 17th May 2023]
6. NHS Long Term Plan [accessed 17th May 2023]
7. Dr Pearson-Studdard, pre-publication data, Obese patients cost to the NHS [accessed 19th May 2023]
8. Frontier Economics (2022) Estimating the Full Cost of Obesity [accessed 17th May 2023]
9. Frontier Economics (2022) Estimating the Full Cost of Obesity [accessed 17th May 2023]
10. ONS (2022) Half a million more people are out of the labour force [accessed 17th May 2023]
11. YouGov / Obesity Health Alliance Survey Results, Sample Size: 2037 adults in GB, Fieldwork: 15th – 16th May 2023
12. Thesis, D & White, M (2021) Is Obesity Policy in England Fit for Purpose? Analysis of Government Strategies and Policies, 1992–2020 [accessed 17th May 2023]

*Soft Drinks Industry Levy model

The ‘sugar tax’, or ‘soft drinks industry levy’, is a tax on soft drinks. Since 2018, the money raised from the sugar tax has been used to support initiatives like the National School Breakfast Programme and holiday food support for children. YouGov asked their panel, ‘Would you support or oppose the Government expanding this model of industry levies to other food and drink items that contain high levels of sugar, salt and/or fat?’

This piece was written and provided by Katharine Jenner, Director of the Obesity Health Alliance.