The number of obese adults in England has doubled to 14.3 million since the UK's first obesity strategy was introduced in 1992, according to a new analysis. Despite 13 subsequent national obesity strategies, rates have continued to rise.
The percentage of adults who were obese or severely obese has climbed from 15% to 30% between 1993 and 2024. The King's Fund think tank, which conducted the analysis, stated that there are now 7.2 million more adults living with obesity than if rates had remained at 1993 levels.
The rise has been particularly pronounced among young people. In 1993, 6% of 16-to-24-year-olds were obese or severely obese. By 2024, this figure had tripled to 18%, equating to 1.1 million young adults. This represents an increase of 730,000 obese or severely obese young adults compared to a scenario where rates had not risen over the past three decades.
When the initial strategy was published in 1992, John Major's Conservative government aimed to reduce obesity among men by a quarter and women by a third. However, rates subsequently increased.
"For more than three decades successive governments of all stripes have talked the talk on obesity but have not sufficiently walked the walk," said Dave Buck, senior fellow for public health at The King's Fund. "This analysis shows the scale of the failure to take the necessary action on tackling this obesity time-bomb."
Recent studies indicate that obesity is linked to higher unemployment, increased sickness absence, and lower wages, costing the UK an estimated £31 billion annually in lost productivity and a total economic and societal cost of around £126 billion per year.
The King's Fund suggested that while weight-loss drugs like Mounjaro and Wegovy could benefit some individuals, they are not a comprehensive solution. They should complement, rather than replace, long-term preventive measures that address the food environment, making unhealthy choices too easy. The organization urged the government to learn from past failures by making healthier food more accessible and affordable, holding food companies accountable, and utilizing new powers for local leaders to improve community health.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson acknowledged obesity as a major driver of ill health and a significant cost to the NHS. The government is making weight-loss jabs available through the NHS to those with the greatest need, in addition to efforts to tackle the promotion of unhealthy food and drink and encourage healthier lifestyles.
The King's Fund also recommended mandatory targets for healthy food sales and highlighted the potential of devolution to address obesity, citing the example of mayors restricting junk food advertising on public transport.