Obesity rates in England plateau for first time in two decades

Obesity rates in England are showing signs of stabilising, according to new figures released by the NHS. The data reveals that the number of children who are overweight has dropped to its lowest level since 2000, and obesity rates among adults have remained stable over the last five years.

The annual report, which measured the height and weight of 9,000 adults and children across England, found that 27 per cent of children aged two to 15 were living with overweight or obesity, down from 30 per cent in 2019 and a peak of 34 per cent in 2004. Among adults, 29 per cent were living with obesity in 2022, with 64 per cent classified as overweight or living with obesity. These rates have remained consistent since 2019.

Despite this stabilisation, obesity remains a significant public health challenge in England. The NHS spends approximately £6.5 billion each year on treating obesity-related illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.

Dr. Clare Hambling, NHS National Clinical Director for Diabetes and Obesity, said: “Obesity is one of the biggest threats to health in the UK. It affects every organ system and can lead to a wide range of health issues, including mental ill health, reduced quality of life, and a shorter lifespan.”

Dr. Hambling stressed the importance of supporting people who are overweight or living with obesity in achieving healthier lifestyles. “The NHS has a critical role, but we need to work alongside local councils and society as a whole to address the underlying factors contributing to obesity.”

While the stabilisation of obesity rates is encouraging, research indicates that access to obesity services remains inconsistent across England. A recent investigation by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that patients are struggling to secure appointments for weight-loss support and treatments, including weight loss injections and bariatric surgery.

The plateau in obesity rates offers hope, but the fight against obesity is far from over. Expanding access to treatment and ensuring that all individuals have the resources they need to manage their weight will be critical to improving public health outcomes in England. Only with coordinated efforts from healthcare providers, local authorities, and wider society can we address the full scale of the obesity crisis.