Obesity Prevalence
Obesity Prevalence
NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC). Lancet 2016;387:1377–96
Prevalence of Obesity in the UK: In the United Kingdom, obesity rates have been rising consistently over the years. According to data from the National Health Service (NHS) and the Health Survey for England, approximately 28% of adults in the UK were classified as obese as of 2019. The prevalence of childhood obesity is also a significant concern, with around 20% of children aged 10-11 years being classified as obese. These figures have been increasing gradually over the years, contributing to the growing burden of obesity-related diseases in the UK.
Further reading for the UK:
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- National Health Service (NHS) – Obesity
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- Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) – Health Survey for England
Global Prevalence of Obesity: Globally, obesity is a widespread issue. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975. In 2016, over 650 million adults were classified as obese, and over 340 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 were overweight or obese. The prevalence of obesity varies from region to region, with some countries and regions experiencing more significant increases than others.
- World Health Organisation, Prevalence of obesity in ages 18+ females , 2016. Available at: http://gamapserver.who.int/mapLibrary/Files/Maps/Global_Obesity_2016_Female.png
- World Health Organisation, Prevalence of obesity in ages 18+ males, 2016. Available at: http://gamapserver.who.int/mapLibrary/Files/Maps/Global_Obesity_2016_Male.png
Further reading on the global prevalence of obesity:
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- World Health Organization (WHO) – Obesity and Overweight
The impact of Covid-19 on Obesity rates in the UK
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on obesity rates in the UK continues to evolve. Many factors may have contributed to changes in obesity rates during the pandemic.
During the pandemic, lockdown measures led to significant changes in people’s daily routines. Stay-at-home orders, the closure of gyms, and reduced opportunities for physical activity may have contributed to more sedentary lifestyles. Lockdowns and restrictions may have affected dietary habits. People might have been more inclined to consume comfort foods, fast food, or highly processed, calorie-dense options while access to fresh, healthy foods was limited.
The pandemic brought about increased stress and anxiety for many individuals. Stress can lead to overeating and unhealthy eating habits as a way to cope, potentially contributing to weight gain.
The economic consequences of the pandemic may have led to food insecurity for some individuals and families. In such situations, people may turn to less expensive but less nutritious food options. Social isolation and reduced social interactions may have also affected eating behaviour. People may have turned to food for comfort in the absence of other forms of social support.
Access to healthcare services, including weight management programs and obesity treatments, may have been disrupted, making it challenging for individuals to manage their weight.
COVID-19 exact impact on obesity rates in the UK would require comprehensive, post-pandemic studies and data analysis. The Office for National Statistics (ONS), Public Health England (PHE), and other relevant health organizations are likely to release reports and studies on this topic. The links below can provide more up-to-date information and specific statistics on how much obesity increased in the UK due to COVID-19.
References for COVID-19 and Obesity in the UK:
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- Office for National Statistics (ONS): Coronavirus and its impact on obesity and physical activity.
- Public Health England (PHE): PHE has been monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on various health factors, including obesity. Check their website for relevant reports and studies.
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