Policy analysts have revised data around the cost of the obesity crisis and urged the government to change policies for obesity management for the health of the public and to support economic growth.
Analysis from a report released by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change argues that government action is needed to intervene in the obesity crisis as it increasingly hampers economic growth.
The findings, published in the report Fit For the Future: A Fair Deal on Food for a Healthier Britain, detail a significant rise in the estimated cost of obesity and overweight in the UK. Revised estimates show the figure could be as high as £98billion, rising from the previous 2020 estimate of £58billion. This indicates that current costs could represent as much as 4% of GDP.
A breakdown of these figures shows that the cost to the NHS stands at around £19billion and to wider society at £16billion through loss of productivity. The remaining costs are largely individual through fewer years of healthy life and through family and friends with additional caring responsibilities.
The vast rise in figures can be explained through an updated model of analysis that now includes both overweight and obese individuals. Furthermore, the new figures reviewed the cost of economic inactivity as obese people leave the workforce sooner and inflation rises.
In addition to these figures, the analysis predicts a 10% increase to this figure by 2040, which would leave the estimated cost at around £109.4billion. This accounts for the ageing population and the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity. In 2022, it was found that 38% of year 6 children were overweight or obese which was up 4% from the previous year. If these figures continue to rise the cost to public health, public services and the wider economy are likely to increase yet further.
Fran Bernhardt, Commercial Determinants Coordinator, Sustain said:
"These are shocking figures. The flood of unhealthy food and drinks poses a significant threat to the UK’s healthcare, economy and workforce. It’s very clear that we cannot afford to do nothing. The government must stand up to the food and drinks industry and champion our health."
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Published Wednesday 22 November 2023
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
