England Obesity Diagnoses Jump 20% in People in Their 30s as Overall Rate Hits 30.3%
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 24
England Obesity Diagnoses Jump 20% in People in Their 30s as Overall Rate Hits 30.3%
2 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 24
Summary
24.1 new obesity cases per 1,000 people were recorded among 30-39 year-olds in England in 2024-25, up from 20.3 in 2019-20; among 20-29 year-olds, the rate rose to 20.3 from 17.5.
Researchers analysing 55 million NHS adult records said the sharpest rises were concentrated in younger adults, even though diagnoses remained most common in people in their 40s and 50s.
The study linked the trend to long exposure to cheap unhealthy food and advertising, with experts also pointing to pandemic disruption, the cost-of-living squeeze and food apps and social media.
Earlier obesity onset was more common in non-white groups and in more deprived areas, while diagnosis rates fell among 60-79 year-olds, possibly because wealthier older adults can better access weight-loss drugs.
Overall recorded obesity rose to 30.3% from 26.2%, adding to concerns that post-pandemic health inequalities are widening despite government plans to tighten junk-food advertising rules.