England's obesity rate has doubled since 1993, analysis finds

A recent analysis by the King's Fund indicates that the share of English adults classified as obese has doubled since 1993, reaching a record 30% in 2024 and representing seven million more obese individuals than would have existed had rates stayed constant. The steepest rise is seen in the 16-to-24 age group, whose obesity prevalence climbed from 6% to 18%, adding roughly one million extra cases. Analysts point to lower food prices for high-fat, high-sugar items, the shift toward sedentary white-collar jobs, and the expansion of fast-food delivery, especially in deprived neighborhoods, as major contributors.

Despite fourteen government obesity strategies since the early 1990s—ranging from bans on junk-food advertising to the 2018 sugary-drink levy—officials have been criticised for insufficient action. New GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are being prescribed to a limited cohort, but health officials warn that medication alone cannot resolve the "obesity timebomb." The study calls for stronger policies on food promotion, pricing and physical activity.