England's obesity crisis doubles since 1993 with 7 million more affected

England's obesity rates have surged from 15% in 1993 to 30% in 2024, leaving 14 million adults classified as obese. The rise is most pronounced among young adults, with obesity in 16 to 24 year olds tripling over three decades. Despite 14 government strategies, experts criticize a lack of effective action, citing sedentary lifestyles, cheaper unhealthy food, and aggressive marketing as key drivers. The crisis costs the UK £126 billion annually and increases risks for diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Obesity rates in England have doubled since 1993, with 14 million adults now living with obesity, seven million more than if rates had remained stable. The King’s Fund’s latest analysis reveals that 30% of adults were obese in 2024, up from 15% in 1993. The sharpest increase has been among young adults, where obesity rates have tripled, rising from 6% to 18% in the same period.

Despite 14 government obesity strategies over three decades, progress has stalled. Dave Buck, senior fellow at the King’s Fund, called the trend "clearly worrying," criticizing policymakers for failing to implement meaningful change. "This analysis shows the scale of the failure to take necessary action on tackling this obesity timebomb," he said.