Obesity in the UK

NHS limiting access to essential obesity services across England, British Medical Journal reveals

The National Health Service (NHS) is restricting access to crucial obesity services across England, leaving individuals in nearly half of the country without the ability to seek appointments with specialist teams for necessary support and treatments, including weight-loss injections. 

This concerning situation was uncovered through an investigation by the British Medical Journal (BMJ), which mirrors the findings of a recent report by the Future Health research agency. The agency’s report highlighted that many of England’s Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) have failed to establish detailed strategies to address obesity and provide treatment, despite the condition costing the United Kingdom an estimated £98 billion annually in healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and other associated costs.

Richard Sloggett, the report’s author and a former special adviser in the Department of Health and Social Care, described these new revelations as evidence of the NHS “rationing” obesity treatment. He emphasised, “These findings back up our Future Health research showing that many ICBs do not currently see obesity as a priority. In certain parts of the country, there is no access to tier 3 and tier 4 services at all. This rationing is leading to a postcode lottery of care. Given the scale of the obesity challenge facing the country and the wider health and economic costs and impacts associated with it, there is an urgent need for the government and the NHS to commit new action. This should start with a clear timeline for reviewing NHS obesity services and ensuring there is a minimum service specification agreed and in place in each ICB.”

A spokesperson for NHS England responded to the BMJ’s investigation by stating that the NHS was “working with the Department of Health to support improvements in the obesity pathway.” However, experts argue that more decisive action is needed.

The BMJ’s investigation also revealed that budget cuts have disproportionately impacted local services focused on obesity care. Individuals living with obesity are often viewed as less deserving of care compared to those with other health conditions, exacerbating the situation. This reality has led to what one expert describes as a “postcode lottery of care,” where access to obesity services varies significantly depending on geographical location.

Data collected through freedom of information requests sent to all 42 of England’s ICBs showed that patients in one in six local healthcare areas were unable to access bariatric surgery, a treatment considered one of the most clinically effective interventions for obesity.

Dr Nicola Heslehurst, a professor of maternal and child nutrition at Newcastle University and chair of the UK Association for the Study of Obesity, voiced her concerns about the current state of weight management services. She told the BMJ, “Current weight management services do not in any way meet the need,” and warned that “radical” action was necessary to combat the rising prevalence of obesity, the associated care costs, and health inequalities. She also stressed the impact on future generations, cautioning that without intervention, children may be “set up for a life course of poor health.”

Obesity imposes a significant financial burden on the NHS in England, costing an estimated £6.5 billion each year. It is also recognised as the second leading cause of cancer after smoking, highlighting the urgency for a comprehensive and effective response.

ICBs receive funding from NHS England to deliver healthcare services for their local communities. However, recent budget cuts have placed immense financial pressure on these boards. In many cases, when resources are limited, services perceived as lower priority are denied funding, with obesity care frequently being the first to face budget reductions.

The BMJ’s investigation found that just over half (24) of England’s 42 ICBs commissioned the full spectrum of adult weight loss services and were open to new referrals. These services range from localised diet and lifestyle classes to more advanced interventions, such as semaglutide weight-loss injections (marketed as Wegovy) and gastric bypass surgery.

However, over a third of ICBs reported imposing restrictions on tier three obesity services, which involve multidisciplinary teams capable of prescribing weight-loss medications. Among these ICBs, six had closed their services to new patients, seven provided services only to certain parts of their catchment area, and four lacked any tier three services altogether.

Tier four services, which include more intensive weight-management interventions like gastric bypass surgery, are also severely restricted. The investigation found that seven ICBs do not offer any bariatric surgery, further highlighting the disparities in access to care across different regions of England.

John Wilding, a professor of medicine at the University of Liverpool, criticised the lack of prioritisation for obesity services, stating, “Obesity services are not deemed a priority.” He also pointed out a prevailing bias within the healthcare system, noting, “I think there is an unconscious bias which says: ‘This is mostly their fault, so they should just get on with it, go on a diet and lose weight.’ But we know from genetics and other factors that it’s much more complicated than that.”

These findings underscore an urgent need for a comprehensive review of NHS obesity services and the establishment of a uniform standard of care across all ICBs. The current restrictions on access to essential obesity treatment services not only create health inequalities but also contribute to escalating healthcare costs and long-term negative health outcomes. Without significant changes in policy and practice, the NHS faces an ongoing struggle to address the obesity crisis effectively.

Challenges in accessing NHS prescribed Wegovy highlight gaps in the UK’s weight management services

In the UK, the rollout of the weight-loss drug Wegovy by the National Health Service (NHS) has been significantly less widespread than anticipated. Since its introduction, Wegovy has been prescribed approximately 3,300 times, a figure starkly lower than the 13,500 prescriptions projected by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (Nice) for the drug’s first year. This shortfall is attributed to a combination of factors, including an international shortage of the drug and a domestic scarcity of specialised weight management clinics required for its distribution.

The Financial Times, analysing NHS England data, notes that this slow uptake occurs amidst escalating demand, especially after recent endorsements from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The MHRA has expanded Wegovy’s use not only for weight reduction but also as a preventative treatment against severe heart conditions and strokes in adults with overweight and obesity.

Compounding the issue, the NHS faces a shortage of the drug due to global supply constraints, which has led to a prioritisation of Ozempic—another drug by the same manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, intended for type-2 diabetes but containing the same active ingredient, semaglutide. This decision reflects the broader challenges in managing pharmaceutical supplies amidst varying clinical demands.

The limited availability of “tier 3” specialist weight management services, which provide comprehensive support including counselling, physiotherapy, and dietary advice, further hinders access. These services are crucial as they replicate the conditions of the clinical trials conducted by Novo Nordisk, yet there are barely over 20 such clinics across the UK, some with extensive waiting lists.

Nerys Astbury, a professor at Oxford University specialising in diet and obesity, highlighted the inconsistency in the availability of these services. “The provision of tier 3 weight management services is very patchy across the country. Some areas are well-serviced, whilst others lack these services entirely, or face significant delays,” she explained. This disparity has led some individuals to pursue private treatment, which is not a viable option for everyone due to the high costs—up to £299 for a month’s supply at commercial pharmacies like Boots.

Despite these obstacles, NHS prescriptions of Wegovy have been on a gradual rise, reaching about 770 by April from its UK approval in September of the previous year. Looking forward, projections indicate that by 2027, nearly 4 million Britons could qualify for semaglutide treatment under NHS guidelines, with expectations that almost 50,000 will receive it annually.

However, the Department of Health and Social Care has warned that drugs in the GLP-1 category, which includes Wegovy, may continue to face shortages until at least the end of 2024. In response, Novo Nordisk has prioritised maintaining a stable supply of Ozempic for diabetes patients over Wegovy, reflecting a strategic decision to meet critical healthcare needs first.

Despite these prioritisation efforts, the future of weight management drugs like Wegovy and the newly mentioned Mounjaro from Eli Lilly, which might soon be prescribed without the need for tier 3 services, points towards a potential shift in how obesity treatments are administered in the UK. Professor Astbury remains cautiously optimistic about these developments, yet she underscores the necessity for readiness in service provision: “It’s promising that access might improve, but we must ensure that the healthcare settings are prepared to support patients effectively.”

In summary, while Wegovy offers significant potential in combating obesity and related health issues, its effective deployment within the NHS is hampered by systemic issues in drug supply and specialised service availability. These challenges highlight the need for strategic improvements in healthcare logistics and infrastructure to better serve the population’s needs.

Britain’s drug regulator approves Novo Nordisk’s weight loss drug Wegovy to cut heart disease risk in patients with obesity

On Tuesday, the 23rd of July, 2024, the United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) granted approval for an additional use of Novo Nordisk drug, semaglutide (marketed as Wegovy), targeting the reduction of cardiovascular risks in adults with overweight and obesity.

Originally sanctioned for obesity treatment and weight management in conjunction with dietary, physical, and behavioural interventions, semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, has now emerged as the pioneering prescription weight loss medication to thwart cardiovascular incidents. This includes the prevention of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke in individuals possessing a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 27 kg/m2 who already suffer from established cardiovascular disorders.

The endorsement by MHRA is supported by recent data derived from a post-approval clinical trial, indicating that a weekly subcutaneous injection of semaglutide (2.4 mg) over a span of up to five years considerably diminishes the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) when compared to a placebo.

In a significant international study, which randomly allocated more than 17,600 participants to either receive Wegovy or a placebo, the treatment with Wegovy was observed to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by 20%. These events transpired in only 6.5% of the Wegovy group, as opposed to 8% among those who received the placebo.

Recent research underscores the efficacy of semaglutide in augmenting the life quality of individuals with cardiovascular diseases by substantially lowering the risk of severe cardiac episodes.

Furthermore, in a strategic expansion move, Novo Nordisk procured a 200-acre plot earlier this month in Odense, Denmark’s third-largest city. The company has initiated preliminary excavation activities at this site, potentially setting the stage for a new manufacturing facility.

The surge in demand has propelled the pharmaceutical giant to invest billions in amplifying its production capacities in both Denmark and the United States. While the specific purpose of the new site in Odense remains to be officially confirmed, a report by Reuters in January highlighted that the site might accommodate facilities crucial for the fill-finish process involved in injection pen manufacturing.

A company statement released to Reuters mentioned, “With the political processes and approvals in place, we are pleased to announce that Novo Nordisk is now the owner of the site in Tietgenbyen in Odense.”

The company further indicated that the decision-making process regarding the precise use of the new site would conclude by the end of the year, post-internal approvals. The environmental report sheds light on future plans, which include establishing a packaging facility by 2026 and a factory for moulding plastic components necessary for pen and possibly tablet production by 2030.

New clinic for childhood obesity to open in Surrey, UK

Surrey is set to benefit from a pioneering initiative aimed at combating childhood obesity, as revealed by the BBC. The newly established Complications from Excess Weight (CEW) clinic, a part of Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is preparing to welcome its first referrals in early autumn, 2024.

This service forms part of a broader national strategy, initiated by NHS England in 2022, to open 30 dedicated clinics across the country. These clinics are designed to offer comprehensive support services, including mental health care and nutritional guidance, to children grappling with obesity.

The teams at these clinics will consist of multidisciplinary professionals such as consultant paediatricians, dietitians, and psychologists, who are committed to a holistic treatment approach for the affected children and their families.

Vicky Williams, the Associate Director of Women and Children’s Services at Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care System, highlighted the urgent need for such services: “Obesity affects one in four children in the UK and it can increase the likelihood of a child developing serious health issues.” She emphasised the importance of early intervention and continuous support to prevent future complications. Williams expressed optimism about the local availability of the service, stating, “It means that, in future, children and young people will be referred to a specialist service in Surrey, closer to home, instead of having to travel further away – so it’s good news for families in Surrey.”

Furthermore, the NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board mentioned that currently, children eligible for the CEW clinic’s services in its area are receiving care from consultants based in Southampton. Plans are underway to establish a similar clinic closer to home for patients from Surrey Heath and Farnham, North East Hampshire, and East Berkshire.

The urgent need for such clinics is underscored by alarming statistics; NHS leaders have noted that obesity impacts one in four children in the UK, potentially leading to severe health problems such as Type 2 diabetes, liver disorders, and early onset heart disease. Data from the latest child measurement programme in schools indicates that nearly 13% of children assessed in Surrey during the 2022/23 school year were living with obesity by the time they reached year six of primary school.

Previous governmental measures include the 2018 imposition of a tax on high-sugar soft drinks and limitations on the promotion of unhealthy products in supermarkets across England.

The new Labour government has expressed a firm commitment to addressing this health crisis. A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson detailed forthcoming measures: “We will introduce tight restrictions on advertising junk food, alongside banning children from being able to purchase sugary, high caffeine energy drinks. By building a healthier society, we will help to build a healthy economy.” This statement underscores the government’s proactive stance on cultivating a healthier future for the next generation.

Substantial rise in individuals at risk of type 2 diabetes in England, NHS reports

In a striking development reported by the NHS, the number of people in England identified as being at risk of developing type 2 diabetes has surged by over half a million in just one year. According to the latest data from the National Diabetes Audit, the figures for those diagnosed with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, commonly referred to as pre-diabetes, rose from 3,065,825 in 2022 to 3,615,330 in 2023—an increase nearing 18%.

The increase is particularly pronounced among the younger population under the age of 40, witnessing a surge of almost 25% from 173,166 in 2022 to 216,440 in 2023. This early identification is pivotal as it allows the NHS to intervene sooner with diagnoses and preventive measures to halt the progression of the condition.

Individuals identified with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia exhibit elevated blood glucose levels that, although not high enough to warrant a diabetes diagnosis, significantly increase their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This condition is often detected during routine blood tests at GP surgeries.

To counteract this trend, the NHS has implemented several innovative measures aimed at preventing type 2 diabetes and reducing obesity rates. This includes the internationally acclaimed Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, which, thus far, has enrolled over 1.6 million people. This nine-month intervention offers personalised support, focusing on healthy eating, lifestyle changes, enhanced physical activity, and weight management.

The implications of developing type 2 diabetes are severe and widespread, affecting not only the individual’s health but also placing a considerable strain on families and NHS resources. It is a leading cause of preventable sight loss among working-age individuals and contributes significantly to kidney failure, lower limb amputation, and an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and certain types of cancer.

NHS Chief Executive, Amanda Pritchard, highlighted the critical nature of these findings, stating, “These figures are concerning but they show exactly why the NHS is taking radical action to stem the tide of rising levels of obesity and type 2 diabetes – through our world first prevention programme and our soup and shakes diets. Type 2 diabetes is a growing problem for patients and not only is it linked to kidney failure, amputation, heart attack, stroke and many of the common types of cancer, it also adds pressure to NHS services. Doing nothing is not an option for the NHS, so we will continue to develop services that support people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes to lead healthier lives. If you are worried about developing the condition, please do come forward and get the help you need.”

In England, approximately 90% of individuals with diabetes have type 2. The risk factors are diverse, encompassing genetics, ethnicity, and lifestyle factors such as obesity.

Moreover, the NHS has dedicated £14.5 million to support up to 140,000 young individuals aged 18 to 39 with additional tailored health checks and diabetes management support. This initiative, dubbed ‘T2Day: Type 2 Diabetes and the Young’, offers enhanced one-to-one reviews and access to innovative treatments to better manage their condition and prevent complications.

Dr Clare Hambling, National Clinical Director of Diabetes and Obesity at NHS England, remarked, “Type 2 diabetes in people under 40 is a growing problem globally – England is no exception, meaning there is an ever-increasing challenge for the NHS – which is why we developed this world-first targeted support for these high-risk people living with diabetes.”

Additionally, a new expansion of the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme aims to help more than 10,000 individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity to lose weight and improve their health. This national programme is set to double its capacity this year, building on the success of over 23,000 people who have already participated since its inception in 2020.

The NHS in England currently allocates approximately £10 billion annually, about 10% of its total budget, to manage diabetes. This figure complements the £6.5 billion spent annually on obesity treatments. Following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, NHS England has also provided £36 million to help local teams restore diabetes services to pre-pandemic levels.

The NHS Long Term Plan continues to outline crucial strategies aimed at reducing disparities in service access and improving the quality of treatment and outcomes for individuals living with diabetes, reinforcing the commitment to combat this escalating health challenge.

Workers with obesity are twice as likely to take long-term sick leave

In a comprehensive study recently presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Venice, it was discovered that employees with obesity are significantly more likely to require sick leave compared to their healthier counterparts, highlighting a growing concern over obesity’s impact on workforce productivity and economic output. This pioneering research offers a detailed analysis of how obesity levels are influencing work attendance, revealing that the issue is contributing to a culture of increased sickness absence, which is straining the economy.

The study, which scrutinised the behaviour of 123,000 workers across Europe, including the UK, indicates that Britain’s performance is notably poor, with six out of ten adults classified as having either overweight or obesity. This finding places the UK among the worst of 28 countries examined. The timing of this revelation is critical as the UK is currently experiencing unprecedented levels of long-term sickness.

Researchers reported that workers in the highest obesity bracket were 2.5 times more likely to have been absent from work due to illness for a week or more over the past year, compared to those maintaining a healthy weight. Additionally, even individuals with mild overweight were found 22% more likely to have taken at least seven sick days annually.

This alarming data coincides with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s appeal last month to curb the “sick note culture” by not overly medicalising normal life stresses, a statement made in light of proposed welfare reforms. This appeal comes as the Office for National Statistics highlights that long-term sick leave figures have surged from 2.1 million to 2.8 million people since before the pandemic, with an estimated £50 billion allocated annually towards sickness benefits for working-age individuals.

Critics argue that the government’s efforts to address sick leave will be futile without serious measures against obesity, a major public health threat linked to numerous long-term illnesses. They emphasise the grave consequences facing the UK, branding it the “sick man of Europe” due to its inability to address significant health issues, with obesity being the foremost.

Presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Venice, the study’s findings further establish that higher body weight correlates with increased absenteeism. Separate studies corroborate these findings, showing the UK as having the third highest obesity rates among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. This extensive research is the first to detail how obesity impairs productivity by keeping individuals out of work, thereby exacerbating societal exclusion.

In the UK, long-term sickness has now become the leading cause of women exiting the workforce, with an additional 500,000 women becoming economically inactive due to this issue in the past five years. This surge is largely attributed to conditions like back pain, often exacerbated by excessive weight.

The study’s lead, Dr Thomas Czypionka from the Health Economics and Health Policy Research Group at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Vienna, emphasised the broad spectrum of health complications arising from obesity, including hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and sleep apnoea. He highlighted the urgent need for stringent measures to tackle obesity, particularly through the reduction of ultra-processed food consumption.

Policy makers and health experts agree that addressing obesity is critical for improving public health and economic productivity. The government has initiated steps such as imposing sugar reduction targets in soft drinks and mandating calorie counts on menus to mitigate obesity levels. Further, a £2.5 billion plan aims to assist over a million people, including those with obesity-related health conditions, to overcome barriers to employment.

This comprehensive study not only underscores the profound individual and societal impacts of obesity but also stresses the imperative for coherent public health strategies to curb this escalating issue.

Close to half of all cancer diagnoses linked to obesity, research finds

A pivotal study has revealed a significant correlation between obesity and an increased risk of various cancers, intensifying concerns over a looming public health crisis. Conducted at Lund University in Malmo, Sweden, this extensive research tracked over four million adults over four decades, uncovering that excess weight could be a contributing factor in more than 30 different types of cancer.

This landmark research, set to be unveiled at the European Congress on Obesity in Venice, has been described as “groundbreaking” by experts, highlighting a potential health crisis in the making. The urgency of these findings has prompted health charities to call for immediate governmental action in response to this alarming revelation. They emphasise the economic burden of obesity, which is estimated to cost the UK nearly £100 billion annually, with NHS expenses alone reaching £19 billion.

The Health Secretary, Victoria Atkins, asserted the government’s commitment to addressing this issue robustly, with plans to leverage apps and technology to transform public health approaches expected to roll out this summer. Atkins stressed the government’s goal for citizens to enjoy longer, healthier lives.

Detailed findings from the study indicated that, of the 332,500 cancer cases recorded during the research period, 40% could be linked to obesity. Annually, the UK sees around 390,000 new cancer diagnoses, suggesting approximately 150,000 cases could be obesity-related. Previously, global studies had identified 13 cancers linked to excess weight, including cancers of the bowel, breast, womb, and kidney. This latest study has extended that list, identifying a total of 32 cancer types associated with obesity. Notably, a five-point increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) was found to enhance cancer risks significantly—by 24% in men and 12% in women for previously established obesity-related cancers. Additionally, this increase was connected to a 17% higher risk for men and 13% for women in 19 other newly associated cancers, including malignant melanoma and various rare cancers like those of the pituitary glands and small intestine.

The comprehensive nature of the study, examining 122 types and subtypes of cancer over 100 million years of follow-up, underlines the severe public health implications. Researchers highlighted that keeping a normal weight could potentially prevent a substantial proportion of cancer cases, with established obesity-related cancers accounting for 25% of all cases and this proportion rising to 40% when including potential obesity-related cancers.

Obesity rates in the UK have nearly doubled since the 1990s, with a current 26% of adults in England categorised as having obesity and another 38% as having overweight. Obesity now surpasses smoking as the primary cause of four major cancers, though smoking remains a significant risk factor.

Forecasts by Cancer Research UK suggest that reducing obesity could prevent approximately 8,000 cancer cases in England by 2040. Prof Jason Halford, president of the European Association for the Study of Obesity, emphasised the strength of the analysis and the need for further research to confirm these associations and explore the underlying mechanisms.

The NHS is exploring innovative approaches, including the use of weight loss medications like Wegovy, to tackle obesity effectively. Government plans to promote healthier lifestyles through technology and legislative measures are also underway, aiming to make healthy choices more accessible to the populace.

Katharine Jenner, director of the Obesity Health Alliance, a coalition of 50 health charities, stressed the clear results of the study and the need for urgent, effective public health policies to prevent obesity and associated diet-related cancers. This includes implementing restrictions on junk food marketing and introducing levies on unhealthy foods to facilitate healthier choices for all.

Lead researcher Dr Ming Sun highlighted that the impact of obesity on cancer might be more extensive than previously understood, suggesting it as a risk factor for more cancer types, particularly rarer ones that have seldom been studied in this context. The study’s findings underscore the necessity of public health measures to tackle the obesity epidemic and its detrimental effects on health outcomes comprehensively. Dr Jennifer L Baker, co-chairman of EASO’s childhood obesity working group, further elucidated potential biological mechanisms such as chronic inflammation and hormonal changes that might explain the increased cancer risk associated with obesity.

In conclusion, this study serves as a critical indicator of the link between obesity and an increased risk of various cancers, urging immediate and robust action to mitigate this public health threat.

Obesity linked to lower productivity in the UK, think-tank reports

According to a detailed analysis released by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), obesity is a major factor contributing to reduced workplace productivity and increased economic inactivity in the UK, highlighting an urgent need for policy intervention. The report underscores that a significant number of individuals are either unable to work or are operating below their capacity due to being severely overweight. This condition has been identified as a contributing factor to the UK’s historically high sickness-related economic inactivity rates.

The IPPR criticises the current governmental approach that frames obesity primarily as an individual’s responsibility. It argues for a comprehensive policy overhaul that addresses factors like workplace conditions, urban planning, and flaws in the national food system. The think-tank’s call to action suggests these reforms are necessary to mitigate the obesity epidemic.

The report references data indicating that the UK holds the third-highest obesity rate among OECD countries, with approximately 25% of adults affected, trailing only the United States and Chile. Drawing on findings from Frontier Economics, the IPPR highlights the substantial economic burden of obesity, estimating its cost to the UK at around £98 billion annually. This figure includes significant losses in productivity.

Post-pandemic trends have exacerbated concerns, with the number of people economically inactive due to long-term sickness reaching unprecedented levels, thereby intensifying the need for effective solutions. The IPPR’s research indicates a correlation between geographical areas with high obesity rates and those with elevated levels of economic inactivity, particularly in regions with poor public health infrastructure.

Jamie O’Halloran, a senior research fellow at IPPR, points out that England’s economically disadvantaged regions are disproportionately affected by the obesity crisis, which in turn impedes the national economy. An alarming find in the study is that the most economically inactive parliamentary constituencies with obesity are predominantly located in Northern England, while the South shows the opposite trend.

The link between obesity and poverty is also stressed in the IPPR study, showing a higher prevalence of severe obesity in England’s most deprived areas. This complex relationship raises questions about whether obesity leads to economic inactivity or if the causality is reversed, or perhaps a mix of both factors.

The economic impact of obesity is further quantified by higher rates of sickness absence among the severely overweight, leading to productivity losses. Public opinion polls conducted for the IPPR reveal strong support for governmental action, with majorities favouring increased taxes and regulations on the production and sale of ultra-processed foods.

Highlighting the failure of laissez-faire public health policies, O’Halloran advocates for a robust regulatory framework to promote healthier dietary choices through fiscal policies and educational initiatives. He calls for a rejuvenation of institutional roles in regulating unhealthy food, advocating for subsidies to make healthier options more economically accessible, and for increased investment in the National Health Service (NHS), local authorities, and education to elevate health as a foundational pillar of national prosperity.

Responding to the challenges outlined in the report, the UK government acknowledges the financial strain obesity places on the NHS, costing approximately £6.5 billion annually. It outlines measures already in place, such as the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, which reportedly prevented around 5,000 obesity cases. Further interventions include mandatory calorie counts on menus and supermarket layout restrictions to reduce impulse purchases of unhealthy foods.

Additionally, the government has introduced a £2.5 billion Back to Work Plan aimed at assisting over a million people, including those suffering from health conditions linked to obesity, to overcome employment barriers and rejoin the workforce.

Hundreds await obesity treatment in Leeds amid service overload

In the bustling city of Leeds, a significant number of individuals find themselves in a prolonged queue for access to specialised obesity management treatments. The Tier 3 Weight Management service, specifically orchestrated to assist adults grappling with severe and intricate forms of obesity, has seen an overwhelming surge in demand, leading to its suspension of new referrals as of July 2023.

Originally established with the ambition to support 250 individuals each year, the service has seen its caseload swell to over 1,000 by the close of December, far surpassing its intended capacity. This escalation has resulted in approximately 660 people currently awaiting their turn for intervention, a situation that the National Health Service (NHS) has acknowledged, pointing these patients towards alternative support mechanisms in the interim.

Operated by the Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust (LCH), the programme extends its aid to those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or above, or a BMI of 35 coupled with additional health complications, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Yet, a briefing prepared for the LCH’s board meeting highlighted a continuous and significant overrun of the waiting list beyond the service’s contractual agreements.

Amidst considerations for the service’s reconfiguration, novel treatment options, including injectable medications aimed at weight reduction, have been proposed. Nevertheless, apprehensions regarding the fiscal repercussions of such expansive implementation have been raised by the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), the body responsible for commissioning this service. The current strategy involves a cautious, staged reintroduction of services.

To alleviate some of the pressure, the ICB allocated an additional £192,000 to bolster the Tier 3 programme, although this injection of funds is set to conclude by April. Decisions regarding further financial commitments to the service, which engages with patients over a period of 12 to 18 months, are anticipated by the end of March.

The uniqueness of Leeds’ offering in the landscape of UK healthcare has been underscored by a spokesperson, who noted, “Many areas across the UK do not have access to a specialist service like the offer we have available in Leeds.” The statement further reflected on the financial dilemmas facing the healthcare system, emphasising the need to judiciously balance further investments against other obligatory responsibilities.

Plans are underway to enhance the service through the introduction of digital treatment options, augmented mental health support, expanded educational resources, and a reevaluation of the criteria for referral, aiming to provide a more comprehensive and accessible approach to obesity management amidst challenging fiscal constraints.

Health experts raise alarm over ‘appalling decline’ in UK child health

 In a stark warning to the nation, leading health experts have highlighted an ‘appaling decline’ in the health and wellbeing of the UK’s children, attributing this trend to increasing instances of obesity and tooth decay among the youth. The Academy of Medical Sciences has released a report urging immediate intervention to halt the decline of physical and mental health in children under five years of age across Britain.

Professor Helen Minnis, co-chair of the report and a distinguished academic from the University of Glasgow, has painted a grim picture of the current state of child health in the UK. “We are witnessing a disturbing increase in child mortality rates, with the UK lagging in infant survival compared to its peers. A plethora of preventable physical and mental health issues is afflicting our youngest, which demands prompt and decisive action,” Minnis stated.

The report sheds light on alarming statistics, revealing that over 20% of children aged five have either obesity or overweight. Furthermore, tooth decay has emerged as a prevalent concern, affecting one in four children. The financial repercussions of this health crisis are staggering, with the report estimating the cost to exceed £16 billion annually.

A particularly concerning trend noted in the report is the decline in vaccination rates across the UK, which now fall below the safety benchmarks established by the World Health Organization. This decline poses a significant threat to the nation’s capability to fend off future outbreaks of severe childhood illnesses.

This call to action resonates amid a growing chorus among medical professionals advocating for enhanced access to childhood vaccinations and addressing the rising vaccine hesitancy within certain communities.

The report also forecasts that the issue of child health, particularly the increasing rates of obesity and declining stature compared to international standards, will become a focal point in the forthcoming general election.

The Labour Party has pointed fingers at the current government’s policies for exacerbating health issues among children, particularly highlighting tooth decay as the leading cause of hospital admissions for children between six and ten years of age.

“The evidence is unequivocal: we are failing our children. If we do not place the health of infants and young children at the forefront of our priorities, we risk consigning many to a future of diminished health and unfulfilled potential. The moment to act is now,” Professor Minnis stated emphatically.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has backed the report’s findings, describing them as “alarming evidence that the UK is failing too many of its children.”

In response, a government spokesperson defended the administration’s track record, highlighting several measures aimed at improving child health. “Significant steps have been taken, including substantial reductions in sugar content in children’s food, investing over £600 million to enhance the quality of children’s sports, and promoting healthy diets among lower-income families through initiatives like Healthy Start,” the spokesperson noted.

Additionally, the government underscored its investment of an extra £2.3 billion annually into mental health services and pointed to a 14% increase in the number of children seen by NHS dentists in the previous year as evidence of its commitment to reversing the decline in child health.

NHS reports over 3,000 daily admissions linked to obesity

NHS figures have alarmingly revealed that hospital admissions related to obesity in the UK have doubled in the past six years, now exceeding 3,000 cases daily. This alarming statistic underscores the growing weight problem in the UK, with obesity increasingly exacerbating illnesses and complicating treatments for a diverse group of patients, including expectant mothers, arthritis sufferers, and cancer patients. Notably, hospital admissions due to obesity now outnumber those linked to smoking by threefold. Furthermore, over 20 children are admitted each day due to obesity-related issues, a figure that has also seen a significant rise in recent years.

Government ministers are facing criticism for their perceived inaction on a problem that is not only detrimentally impacting public health but also stunting economic progress. This is after the government decided to postpone stringent anti-obesity measures. The impact of obesity is disproportionately felt in poorer areas, where hospital admissions are twice as likely compared to the wealthiest regions, thus impeding efforts to rejuvenate the labour market.

Luton, in particular, has emerged as the area in England most affected by health issues related to obesity, with one in every 20 residents admitted to hospital due to weight-related problems last year. This rate is more than tenfold higher than that in Bracknell Forest, which recorded the lowest rate.

Recent data estimates the annual cost of obesity to the UK economy at a staggering £98 billion, encompassing both NHS treatment costs of £19 billion and economic productivity losses amounting to £15 billion. NHS Digital’s latest figures for England reveal a record 1.2 million admissions where obesity was a factor in 2022-23, a significant increase from 617,000 in 2016-17. These admissions include cases where obesity was the primary reason for hospitalisation, often for bariatric surgery, as well as numerous instances where obesity was a secondary diagnosis, either contributing to hospital stays or complicating treatments.

Among those most affected are pregnant women, with 147,143 maternity admissions where obesity was a complicating factor for either the mother or child. Other conditions such as arthritis, gallstones, breast cancer, heart disease, and general pain also contributed to more than 10,000 admissions annually.

Daisy Cooper, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, criticised the government for missing multiple opportunities to foster a healthier living environment in the UK. She stressed that investing in public health would alleviate the burden on the NHS and bolster the economy by enabling more people to work.

The figures reveal a concerning trend among the younger population, with 8,261 admissions among under-16s, a significant increase from 4,062 in 2016-17. In the ten most deprived areas, there were 3,393 admissions per 100,000 people for obesity, more than double the rate in the wealthiest tenth.

Areas such as Gloucestershire, Southampton, Salford, Rotherham, Bradford, and much of east London have recorded rates above 4,000 per 100,000 people. In contrast, Bracknell Forest reported a rate of 420 per 100,000, with Windsor, Wokingham, Slough, Oxfordshire, Reading, and Brighton all reporting rates below 1,000.

In response to its high obesity rate, Luton has recently implemented a ban on advertising unhealthy food on council-owned properties. The rise in obesity-related admissions is partly attributed to increased medical awareness of the conditions excess weight can cause. However, local differences in how obesity is recorded also influence these statistics.

Victoria Atkins, the Health Secretary, has expressed a preference for focusing on healthy-living advice over measures she has termed “nanny-statish”, a stance that has disappointed health campaigners. Cooper has called for the revival of delayed plans for a 9pm watershed on junk food advertising and a ban on buy-one-get-one-free deals on unhealthy food. She also advocated for increased funding for public health initiatives at the council level.

Admissions for weight-loss surgery have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, with 5,099 admissions last year compared to over 6,000 five years ago. This decline in admissions where obesity is the primary reason is attributed to pressures on the NHS.

Despite this, 638 children under 16 were admitted primarily for obesity, nearly matching pre-pandemic figures. In response to these concerning trends, a government spokesman highlighted measures like compulsory calorie labelling and healthy food vouchers for low-income households. The spokesman emphasised the government’s commitment to tackling obesity across all socio-economic groups and in deprived areas, recognising it as a major cause of cancer.

UK’s obesity epidemic costs economy almost £100 billion per year

Britain is grappling with an obesity crisis that is inflicting a staggering economic toll of nearly £100 billion annually, as per a comprehensive report by the Tony Blair Institute. This figure, highlighted in a report published by The Times, indicates that the impact of obesity on national productivity is far more severe than previously estimated, being ninefold higher.

The financial implications are forecasted to escalate by an additional £10 billion over the coming 15 years. This total cost, inclusive of the £63 billion attributed to shorter life spans and compromised health due to obesity, equates to roughly 4% of the nation’s GDP.

Henry Dimbleby, the former government advisor on food, is advocating for stringent measures akin to those applied to tobacco, targeting junk food. He warns that without decisive action, Britain risks becoming a nation burdened by illness and economic decline. Dimbleby is poised to highlight these concerns in a speech at a Royal Society conference, stressing the potential strain on the NHS and consequent economic stagnation.

Amid these warnings, the government has postponed initiatives like the 9pm junk food advertising watershed and restrictions on promotional deals for unhealthy food products until 2025. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins has expressed a desire to offer health guidance in a non-patronising manner.

A Department of Health spokesperson reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling obesity, pointing to initiatives like food-labelling standards, investment in school sports, and healthy food vouchers for underprivileged families.

Hermione Dace from the Tony Blair Institute underscored the critical link between the nation’s health and its economic prosperity, calling for a revamped approach to promote healthier food options and discourage the profitability of ultra-processed and junk food.

The obesity epidemic has intensified, with two-thirds of British adults now classified as having overweight or obesity, a significant rise from half a generation ago. Notably, the average weights of British men and women have increased by 6kg and 5kg, respectively, since 1993.