Obesity rates have doubled in England since 1993 - what's going on?
Obesity rates in England have doubled since 1993, reaching 30% of the adult population in 2024. Experts attribute this rise to sedentary office jobs, changes in food pricing, and the increased availability of fast food.
Why it matters
This highlights a significant public health crisis and the failure of government strategies to curb rising obesity trends.
Image source, Getty Images By Joe McFadden , Health reporter and Hugh Pym , Health editor Published 6 minutes ago If England's obesity rates were still the same as 1993 there would be seven million fewer adults living with obesity.
There are 14 million adults classified as obese, despite successive governments launching 14 separate obesity strategies over the past three decades.
It's clear something isn't working, so what's behind the increase?
According to new analysis by the King's Fund, 15% of England's adult population - those aged 16 and over - in 1993 was obese, with rates achieving a record high of 30% in 2024.
Their analysis suggests obesity rates are rising fastest in 16-to-24 year-olds, with 18% classified as obese or severely obese in 2024 compared with just 6% in 1993.
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