Obesity rates have doubled in England since 1993 – what’s going on?

• Obesity prevalence in England has doubled since 1993, representing an additional 7 million adults—a substantial public health burden with significant implications for NHS resource allocation and chronic disease management
• The scale of increase suggests environmental and behavioural factors (ultra-processed food availability, reduced physical activity, socioeconomic pressures) are outpacing individual intervention efforts, requiring population-level prevention strategies
• GPs should anticipate increased obesity-related comorbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers) in their patient populations and consider preventative screening and weight management pathways as part of routine care

Around seven million more adults are living with obesity than would have been if obesity rates had stayed the same as 1993.

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