Obesity rates in England have doubled since 1993, leading to a substantial economic burden and renewed calls for government action. The increase means approximately seven million more adults are living with obesity than if rates had remained at their 1993 levels.
Obesity is a known risk factor for numerous chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, and certain types of cancer. The economic impact is considerable, with estimates suggesting that obesity and being overweight cost the UK economy around £126 billion annually. Of this, approximately £12 billion is attributed to the National Health Service (NHS), representing about 7% of its yearly budget.
Since 1992, before national obesity data collection began, 14 strategies have been implemented to address the issue, yet progress is viewed by campaigners as too slow. Public health initiatives have varied over the years.
During Tony Blair's premiership, a ban on junk food advertising during children's television programming was introduced, though some advocated for a broader ban. Gordon Brown's government launched a strategy in 2007 aimed at reversing the "rising tide of obesity."
More recently, the Conservative government implemented a UK-wide levy on high-sugar soft drinks in 2018, which led several manufacturers to reduce sugar content in their products to avoid the tax. Former Prime Minister David Cameron considered further measures in 2016, such as banning "buy one get one free" deals on unhealthy products and restricting television advertisements for junk food and high-sugar items. However, these ideas were not pursued, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later, concerns about the impact of restrictions on shoppers during periods of high inflation.
In January of this year, the Labour government enacted a ban on junk food advertising before 9 PM on television and at any time online, a measure that had been under consideration for nearly a decade. Further proposed measures to curb the sale of unhealthy food items, first pledged by Labour in 2024, are still pending. A recent select committee report has urged ministers to implement additional actions, such as preventing the opening of fast-food outlets near schools.