Experts warn obese people to surpass those at healthy weight by 2030

A surprising analysis shows that by the end of the decade Brits may be more likely to be obese than at a healthy weight.

Experts have warned that if current trends continue, by 2040 there will be another six million obese, whose “tipping point” has been reached in a few years.

By 2026, healthy weight and obese people are expected to make up around 30% of the UK population.

But by 2030, the number of obese people will have exceeded a healthy weight, as experts warn that the numbers should be a wake-up call for the government.

The Cancer Research UK report also predicts that by 2040, seven in ten Brits will be overweight or obese.

That equates to 42 million, half of whom are expected to be obese. Currently, more than six out of ten people are overweight or obese.

Individuals with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 are considered a healthy weight, while overweight people are classified as having a BMI between 25 and 29.9 and obesity as a BMI of 30 and above.

Obesity costs the NHS around £6.5 billion a year. By 2030, the number of obese people will exceed the healthy weight of about 42 million people.

A government decision has delayed the ban on “buy one, get one free” offers on unhealthy foods amid the cost of living crisis.

The charity warned that being overweight or obese increases the risk of about 13 different types of cancer. Each year, around 22,800 cancer cases are linked to being overweight or obese in the UK.

“These scans should serve as a wake-up call to government on the health of our nation,” said Michelle Mitchell, head of cancer research.

Ministers should not continue to tackle the obesity crisis by delaying measures that lead to healthier food choices.

“I urge them to reconsider this decision and take bold action against obesity, the second largest preventable risk factor for cancer in the UK.”

Experts also warned that obesity “will eclipse smoking as the leading cause of cancer” if trends continue.

Dr. Julie Sharp, head of health and patient information at the charity, said: “The world around us can make it very difficult to maintain a healthy weight.

Government action is essential to ensure that the healthy option is available and affordable for people, and to address the broader barriers that prevent people from living healthy lives.”

Cancer Research UK analysis shows that by 2040, 71% of people may be overweight or obese. Of these, about 36% (21 million) of adults are likely to be obese (blue dashed line). The graph shows: Estimates for the proportion of adults at a healthy weight (grey), overweight (pink) and obese (blue) in the UK from 2010 to 2040

The graph shows: Estimates for the proportion of men (purple) and women (pink) who will be obese in the UK from 2010 to 2040

The graph shows: Estimates for the percentage of overweight men (purple) and women (pink) in the UK from 2010 to 2040

The British Heart Foundation said the report “highlights the need for urgent action against obesity”.

“Such figures should encourage the government to use everything at its disposal to prevent this, but instead we see key measures in the areas of junk food advertising and multi-buy promotions being delayed at the critical moment. . “They urgently need to reconsider this harmful move,” he said.

The Department of Health said: “We recognize the urgent need to tackle obesity as it is estimated to cost the NHS £6.5 billion annually. We are taking urgent steps to encourage people to choose healthier foods.’

HOW SHOULD A BALANCED NUTRITION BE?

According to the NHS, meals should be potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally whole grains.

• Eat at least 5 servings of different fruits and vegetables every day. All fresh, frozen, dried and canned fruits and vegetables count

• Basic meals based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, preferably wholemeal

• 30 grams of fiber per day: This is equivalent to eating all of the following: 5 servings of fruit and vegetables, 2 whole grain biscuits, 2 thick slices of whole wheat bread, and a large baked potato in the crust

• Have some alternatives to milk or dairy products (such as soy drinks) and choose low-fat, low-sugar options

• Eat beans, legumes, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins (including 2 servings of fish per week, one of which is fat)

• Choose unsaturated fats and spreads and consume sparingly.

• Drink 6-8 glasses / glass of water a day

• Adults should have less than 6 g of salt per day and less than 20 g of saturated fat for women and less than 30 g for men.

Source: Eatwell NHS Guide