Experts warn obese people set to outnumber those at a healthy weight by 2030 

Little Britain? Fat chance! UK will have more obese people than those at a healthy weight within FIVE years unless habits change, experts warn

  • Seven in ten Britons are projected to be classed as overweight or obese by 2040
  • By 2030 the number of obese individuals will have surpassed healthy weight
  • Being overweight increases the risk of about 13 different types of cancer 

Britons are more likely to be obese than a healthy weight by the end of the decade, startling analysis reveals.

Experts have warned that if current trends continue, there will be an extra six million obese people by 2040 with a ‘tipping point’ reached in just a few years.

According to projections, those who are a healthy weight and the obese will account for about 30 per cent of the UK population each by 2026.

But by 2030 the number of obese individuals will have surpassed those of a healthy weight – with experts warning the figures should act as a ‘wake-up call’ for the Government.

The report, from Cancer Research UK, also estimated that about seven in ten Britons will be classed as overweight or obese by 2040.

This is the equivalent of 42million, with half expected to be obese. Currently more than six in ten are overweight or obese.

Individuals are considered a healthy weight if their body mass index is between 18.5 and 24.9, while overweight is a BMI of 25 to 29.9 and obese is classed as a BMI of 30 and above.

More than 42million adults in the UK will be overweight or obese by 2040, according to new projections by Cancer Research UK

Obesity costs the NHS an estimated £6.5billion per year. By 2030 the number of obese individuals will have surpassed those of a healthy weight, equaling around 42million people

Obesity costs the NHS an estimated £6.5billion per year. By 2030 the number of obese individuals will have surpassed those of a healthy weight, equaling around 42million people

It follows a decision by the Government to postpone a ban on ‘buy one get one free’ offers on unhealthy food because of the cost of living crisis.

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of about 13 different types of cancer, the charity warned. Every year about 22,800 cases of cancer in the UK are linked to being overweight or obese.

Cancer Research chief executive Michelle Mitchell said: ‘These projections should serve as a wake-up call to the Government about the state of our nation’s health.

‘Ministers must not keep kicking the can down the road when it comes to tackling the obesity crisis – delaying measures that will lead to healthier food options.

‘I urge them to revisit this decision and take bold action on obesity, the second biggest preventable risk factor for cancer in the UK.’

Experts also warned that if trends continue, obesity will ‘eclipse smoking as the biggest cause of cancer’.

Dr Julie Sharp, head of health and patient information at the charity, said: ‘The world around us can make it very difficult to keep a healthy weight.

Government action is key in making sure that the healthy option is readily available and affordable for people and addressing the wider barriers that prevent people from living healthy lives.’

Analysis by Cancer Research UK shows 71 per cent people could be overweight or obese by 2040. Of this, almost 36 per cent adults (21million) are likely to be obese (blue dotted line). Graph shows: Projections for the proportion of healthy weight (grey), overweight (pink) and obese (blue) adults in the UK from 2010 to 2040

Analysis by Cancer Research UK shows 71 per cent people could be overweight or obese by 2040. Of this, almost 36 per cent adults (21million) are likely to be obese (blue dotted line). Graph shows: Projections for the proportion of healthy weight (grey), overweight (pink) and obese (blue) adults in the UK from 2010 to 2040

Graph shows: Projections for the proportion of men (purple) and women (pink) who will be obese in the UK from 2010 to 2040

Graph shows: Projections for the proportion of men (purple) and women (pink) who will be obese in the UK from 2010 to 2040

Graph shows: Projections for the proportion of men (purple) and women (pink) who will be overweight in the UK from 2010 to 2040

Graph shows: Projections for the proportion of men (purple) and women (pink) who will be overweight in the UK from 2010 to 2040

The British Heart Foundation said the report ‘highlights the urgent need to take action on obesity’.

Maeva May of the charity said: ‘Such figures should spur the Government to use everything at their disposal to prevent this happening – but instead we see vital measures on junk food advertising and multi-buy promotions delayed at the critical moment. They must urgently reconsider this damaging move.’

The Department of Health said: ‘We recognise the pressing need to tackle obesity, given it costs the NHS an estimated £6.5billion per year. We’re taking urgent action to encourage people to choose healthier food options.’

WHAT SHOULD A BALANCED DIET LOOK LIKE?

Meals should be based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally wholegrain, according to the NHS

Meals should be based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally wholegrain, according to the NHS

• Eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day. All fresh, frozen, dried and canned fruit and vegetables count

• Base meals on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally wholegrain

• 30 grams of fibre a day: This is the same as eating all of the following: 5 portions of fruit and vegetables, 2 whole-wheat cereal biscuits, 2 thick slices of wholemeal bread and large baked potato with the skin on

• Have some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soya drinks) choosing lower fat and lower sugar options

• Eat some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins (including 2 portions of fish every week, one of which should be oily)

• Choose unsaturated oils and spreads and consuming in small amounts

• Drink 6-8 cups/glasses of water a day

• Adults should have less than 6g of salt and 20g of saturated fat for women or 30g for men a day

Source: NHS Eatwell Guide 

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