Health

Fears of diabetes epidemic as obesity levels in England almost double to 13million in 20 years


THE number of obese people in England has almost doubled to 13million in 20 years.

Experts say the rise has fuelled a diabetes epidemic which threatens to bankrupt the NHS with an annual bill of £14billion.

 Obesity is the biggest risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, which affects 3.7million people in Britain

1

Obesity is the biggest risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, which affects 3.7million people in BritainCredit: Getty – Contributor

Some 6.9million adults had a body mass index of 30 or over in 1997, rising to 13million in 2017, the latest year available.

Obesity is the biggest risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, which affects 3.7million in Britain.

The estimated annual cost to the NHS for drugs and treatment for complications such as blindness and amputations is £14billion, around ten per cent of the health service budget.

The charity Diabetes UK says more than half of Type 2 cases could be prevented if the obesity problem was tackled.

It wants food and drink manufacturers to make their products healthier and restrictions on junk food adverts.

Chief Chris Askew said: “We’re facing an urgent health problem. Tackling this requires ambitious and sustained action.”

Diabetes UK analysed figures from the annual Health Survey for England. Almost one in three adults is obese and one in five kids aged ten and 11.

Tam Fry, of the National Obesity Forum, said: “We are in the middle of an obesity and diabetes epidemic.

The NHS cannot afford the growing costs, which threatens to bankrupt the service.”

NHS chief Stephen Powis said: “Obesity is a dangerous public health threat. These figures bring a stark reminder of the scale of the crisis.”

Public Health England gives overview of obesity and weight management



 





READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.