Why have obesity rates doubled since 1993?
New analysis from the King's Fund shows that obesity rates in England have doubled since 1993, reaching 30% in 2024. Experts attribute this rise to sedentary office work, increased availability of fast food, and a failure of government strategies to effectively address the issue.
Why it matters
Rising obesity rates place a significant burden on public health systems and highlight the need for more effective policy interventions regarding lifestyle and nutrition.
Image source, Getty Images By Joe McFadden , Health reporter and Hugh Pym , Health editor Published 7 August 2026 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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