England is in the grip of an obesity crisis as almost two thirds of adults now dangerously overweight - and admit to not eating their recommended 5-a-day
England's obesity crisis continues to deepen despite billions spent on treatment and prevention, new data shows.
Nearly a two-thirds of adults were overweight, with an extra 260,000 people entering that category last year.
More than a quarter (26.5 per cent) — an estimated 14 million people — were obese.
A growing number of local areas were also found to have at least a third of adults living with obesity, many of them in the Midlands or the North East.
West Lindsey in Lincolnshire had the highest proportion of obese people at 38.8 per cent, followed by Hartlepool (37.9 per cent) and Bolsover in Derbyshire (37.9 per cent).
It comes after the Mail revealed the government is preparing to hand out fat jabs at pharmacies in a desperate bid to tackle the problem.
The obesity crisis costs the NHS more than £11 billion a year and the economy billions more in lost productivity and benefits.
As well as treating obese patients, who may suffer from a range of life-threatening health complications, the money has also been spent on various NHS programmes to help people lose weight.
England is in the grip of an obesity crisis, which continues to grow despite huge investment in treatments and preventions
The new data from the Office for Health Improvement & Disparities shows less than a third of over-18s eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, and a third fail to get any exercise.
Obesity was slightly higher among women than men last year, but more men were overweight.
Adults aged 55 to 64 were most likely to be an unhealthy weight — nearly three-quarters (73.5 per cent) were overweight and a third (32.5 per cent) were obese last year.
In England, 67.4 per cent of adults were physically active last year — slightly more than the 67.1 per cent the year before.
And only 31.3 per cent of adults were found to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
Katharine Jenner, director of the Obesity Health Alliance, urged the government to 'tackle our broken food system head-on' with bans on junk food advertising and promotions.
She said: 'It's no surprise that obesity rates are continuing to rise.
'Successive governments have missed countless opportunities to turn the tide — and we urge the current one not to make the same mistake.
'We need bold, population-wide measures, including re-balancing the cost of food and making healthier options the easy choice.
'This isn't about personal responsibility, it's about political will. We can turn the tide on obesity but we need the government to act now.'
Last night, the Department of Health said junk food advertising restrictions are set to come into force in October.
A spokesman said: 'This government has already taken action to tackle the obesity crisis by stopping junk food ads being targeted at children across TV and online, which will reduce the number of people living with obesity by 20,000 and deliver health benefits to the economy worth £2 billion.
'We've also given local authorities stronger powers to block applications for new takeaways near schools and we are commissioning research to improve the evidence on the health impacts of ultra processed foods.
'Through our Plan for Change, we will shift the focus from sickness to prevention, reducing the burden of obesity on public services and the NHS.'
The NHS said people worried about their weight can access weight-loss services though their GP.
Medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: 'Obesity remains one of the biggest public health issues we face as a society, and these figures show a small but concerning rise in the number of overweight and obese people.
'It is crucial we reverse decades of rising obesity rates and the associated cost to the health service, and those who needs support can access help through the NHS weight management programme via their GP.'
The Office for Health Improvement & Disparities said obesity is a 'complex public health concern' that leads to reduced life expectancy and a range of chronic illnesses including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, liver, and respiratory disease.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
16 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
GP issues warning over new Covid symptom amid fears Nimbus variant will sweep the UK this summer
Doctors are urging anyone with a 'razor blade' throat that they could have a new and highly contagious Covid variant. Dubbed 'Nimbus', the strain is descended from the super virulent Omicron, with 13 cases having already been found in the UK, following a surge in cases in China, Singapore and Hong Kong. Whilst experts say Nimbus symptoms are broadly similar to earlier versions of the virus a 'razor blade sore throat' could be a key sign of the new variant. According to Dr Naveed Asif, a GP at The London General Practice, this distinctive symptom is characterised by a sharp, stabbing pain when swallowing, often at the back of the throat. Other symptoms linked to the strain include redness in the back of the mouth and swollen neck glands as well established common Covid symptoms like fever, muscle aches and congestion. 'However, symptoms can vary widely so vigilance is key', Dr Asif told Manchester Evening News. According to the NHS, Covid symptoms include a high temperature, a new continuous cough, a loss or change to sense of smell or taste, shortness of breath and feeling sick. Whilst only 13 British cases of Nimbus have been identified so, these figures likely underestimate how far the variant has spread. This is because the number of Covid tests carried out has massively decreased since the height of pandemic and lockdown. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows the number of people testing positive for Covid has hit record levels this year and is already 97 per cent higher than numbers recorded in March. Experts have also warned that the new strain could lead to a surge in Covid cases over the summer and have urged the vulnerable to get vaccinated. Even those who were previously vaccinated or infected could be at risk of the catching the virus as previously built-up immunity fades over time. Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University, put the potential surge in cases down to warmer weather and busier social lives. 'We are very likely to see a spike of infections over the next couple of months, possibly by later this month or in July. But it's difficult to predict the level of this infection wave,' he told The i Paper. 'Population immunity, either from vaccination or previous infection, is waning and, unlike other respiratory viruses such as flu, the Covid virus continues to spread in hot and humid weather,' he said. Lab studies suggest Nimbus can infect human cells more efficiently than previous strains, making it more likely to infect people. However, there is currently no evidence Nimbus is more likely to cause severe illness or death in those it infects compared to previous variants. But infection with the virus can still be deadly for more vulnerable groups. Covid was a factor in the deaths of just over 300 people in England in May, according to the latest official figures. Experts have also said that current Covid vaccines, which have been reformulated to combat Omicron descendants, are expected to remain effective against Nimbus. According to the World Health Organisation, Nimbus, scientifically known as NB.1.8.1, now accounts for 10.7 per cent of Covid infections worldwide, compared to just 2.5 per cent a month prior. Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA's deputy director, said the organisation was keeping a close eye on Nimbus. 'UKHSA is monitoring all available data relating to SARS-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad, and we continue to publish our findings in our regular Flu and Covid-19 surveillance reports,' she said. 'NB.1.8.1 has been detected in small numbers in the UK to date, but international data suggests that it is growing as a proportion of all Covid-19 cases.' Currently adults over the age of 75, care home residents, and those aged six months and over who have weakened immune systems are all eligible for a free Covid vaccine across the UK. This includes organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant patients, people living with HIV, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy and those with genetic disorders affecting the immune system. UKHSA data suggests people who had a Covid jab as part of last spring's booster campaign were 45 per cent less likely to need hospital care for the virus in the weeks that followed compared to the unvaccinated. The agency has urged all people eligible for a vaccine to get jabbed to protect themselves from both NB.1.8.1 and Covid in general.
Daily Mail
16 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
All the conditions that mean you wouldn't get called up to the army
By Diabetes , chronic migraines, Raynaud's. They're just three out of a 60-strong list of conditions that would rule you out of serving in the Army. It comes after the UK's most senior soldier warned yesterday that a 'citizen army' would be needed for any direct confrontation with Vladimir Putin . Although he stopped short of backing conscription, General Sir Patrick Sanders said preparing for war against Russia should be a 'whole-of-nation' undertaking, including what he described as 'national mobilisation'. High blood pressure High blood pressure, known medically as hypertension, is estimated to affect 14.4million people in the UK — a quarter of all adults. Of these, a staggering four million are thought to be undiagnosed, as they have never been tested. The condition is flagged among 'cardiovascular problems' by the British Army. Checks are available for free via GP surgeries and, if you're over 40, at many pharmacies. As a general guide, ideal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60 and 120/80 — or below 150/90 if you're aged over 80. High blood pressure, meanwhile, is considered to be 140/90 — or 150/90 or over if you're aged over 80. Between 120/80 and 140/90 means that you are at risk of developing the condition if you don't take preventative measures. Piles Constipation, pushing too hard when pooing, heavy lifting and pregnancy are some of the causes of haemorrhoids, also known as piles, which take the form of lumps in and around the anus, according to the NHS . Bright red blood after you poo, an itchy anus and lumps around your anus are signs you may be suffering from piles, which are swollen blood vessels. For some the lumps are temporary and get better after a few days once diet and bowel habits, go back to normal. But if symptoms worsen or last more than a week, a GP may prescribe stronger medicines. They may also check your symptoms are not being caused by something else. Army chiefs warn against joining or delaying your application to join if suffering from 'active haemorrhoids'. Among the common hospital treatments include rubber band ligation — a band placed around your piles to make them drop off — and sclerotherapy, a liquid injected into your piles to make them shrink. Up to 80 per cent of people suffer piles at some point in their lives, it is estimated. Migraines Migraines typically feel like a very bad headache, with a throbbing pain on one side of the skull. They can last anywhere between hours or days. Sufferers can get warning signs before a migraine strikes, such as stiff neck, fatigue or vision changes like seeing zigzag lines (an 'aura'). An estimated one in seven Brits suffer from some form of migraine. However, in September health officials revealed around 13,000 Brits suffering from severe and untreatable migraines would benefit from a pill that can prevent attacks. Food intolerances A food allergy requiring you to avoid some foods or an intolerance is among another common reason that may prevent or delay you from joining, according to the British Army. However, it notes: 'You can still apply to join the army even if your medical history includes one or more of these conditions. 'The medical team assess everyone individually, and make their decisions based on their professional opinion in keeping with prescribed army standards.' Unlike with most other forms of chronic illness, people with allergies are usually fit between attacks and may have high levels of personal fitness. However, the Army cannot guarantee to serve food which is free from nuts or other potential allergens. A soldier suffering an allergic reaction while on deployment may also tie up one or more other personnel to look after them. Diabetes More than five million people in the UK are thought to have diabetes of some form. Being fat can lead to type 2, the most common type. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin (a hormone which controls absorption of sugar into the blood) or when cells do not react to insulin properly. Type 1, on the other hand, has nothing to do with being overweight. The lifelong condition is caused by the body's immune system mistakenly attacking and destroying cells that produce insulin. Excess fat in the liver increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes as the buildup makes it harder to control glucose levels, and also makes the body more resistant to insulin. Raynaud's With Raynaud's, freezing temperatures can trigger miniature spasms in your blood vessels, cutting off the blood supply to the outermost parts of the body. Usually the phenomenon attacks the fingers but sometimes also the toes, ears and tip of the nose. In rare cases, it can affect your nipples. Areas affected will turn white and eventually blue. Then, as blood flow returns, they morph into a shade of red. Attacks – which can cause a burning or tingling sensation and numbness – can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. Warming up the fingers, or anywhere that has been affected, stops a flare-up in its tracks. Up to 20 per cent of adults are thought to have Raynaud's. Although attacks peak in the cold winter months, symptoms can be triggered by every day tasks such as taking food out of the freezer, air conditioning, or even stress — all of which cause blood vessels to contract. A small number of patients go on to develop a more serious connective tissue disease, scleroderma, which can cause disability and even prove fatal if not treated properly. As well as warming up your hands and toes, Raynaud's can also be thwarted with a drug called nifedipine, which improves circulation.
The National
23 minutes ago
- The National
Scotland's top doctor warns of greatest threat to health this century
In his annual report, Professor Gregor Smith said the 'triple planetary health crisis' amounted to a public health emergency. He said the global healthcare system itself was 'substantially' contributing to the problem, producing around 5% of the world's emissions. Calling for urgent action on the issue, Smith said: 'Just as we as individuals do not exist in isolation, human and planetary health are intertwined. READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon's memoir has cleared government security checks, documents show 'We are part of an interconnected ecosystem and whether it be new approaches to sustainable agriculture, materials or healthcare, this innovation is well established across Scotland. 'There is more we can do in areas such as sustainable diets to prevent ill health, reduce pressure on our health services and reduce our impact on the natural world. 'Shifting towards sustainable, healthy diets and cutting food waste are key opportunities for reducing emissions and pressure on nature, in Scotland and overseas. 'This can go hand in hand with improving our health and easing pressure on our NHS.' He added: 'Restoring and strengthening that connection between ourselves and the planet need not be seen as a problem. 'When it comes to the future health of both, it is part of the solution.' The health expert described Scotland's natural environment as an 'invaluable resource' to improve the health of its people, as well as the wider planet. In his report, the Chief Medical Officer also warned that the focus on finding efficiencies in the healthcare could lead to worse outcomes for Scots. He said he was 'concerned' that 'if we apply this lens of efficiency inappropriately to all aspects of healthcare, we may lose that vital connection and provide sub-optimal, transactional, industrialised care instead'. He added: 'There is a very real risk that this loss of connection will prevent us from seeing the people we care for as they wish to be seen and understanding what matters to them. It is this transactional approach to care that can lead to overtreatment, potential harm, wasted resources and to decision regret.' Looking to the future, Smith said artificial intelligence (AI) would begin to play a 'significant' role in the NHS 'in the very near future'. However, he said that AI could not replace the 'wisdom' of healthcare professionals, while stressing the importance of human connection in healthcare. READ MORE: Scottish train engineering firm lands major contract creating 40 new jobs The Chief Medical Officer said Scotland's healthcare system, and wider society, must urgently prioritise preventing disease, rather than treating it once it happens. He said: 'If we are to address the health challenges that lie ahead, it is not only our health and care system that must have a greater focus on prevention, but all parts of society, including national and local government, public services and the voluntary and commercial sectors. 'I remain optimistic that the forthcoming Population Health Framework will provide this much-needed focus. 'If we can support the people we care for to be healthier for longer, significant improvements in their health could be achieved, allowing them to experience life, contribute to their families and communities and remain economically active for longer too.'
