UK Obesity Prevalence: 28% of Adults (2022 Data)

According to World Bank data (2022), 28.0% of UK adults (aged 18+) meet the BMI ≥30 kg/m² threshold for obesity. This represents nearly a threefold increase since 1975 (~10%) and positions the UK among the highest in Western Europe.

Trends and Demographics

• Steady rise over three decades; slight plateau 2019–2021, then renewed increase post-pandemic.
• Higher prevalence in: North East, West Midlands, Yorkshire; lower in London, South East.
• Socioeconomic gradient: most deprived decile ~36% vs. least deprived ~20%.
• Ethnic variation: Black African/Caribbean women highest; South Asian men lower BMI but higher central adiposity/metabolic risk at lower BMI.

Public Health Impact

• £6.5B annual NHS cost (direct); £27B wider societal cost.
• Drives type 2 diabetes, CVD, 13 cancers, osteoarthritis, severe COVID-19 outcomes.
• Childhood obesity: 23% of Year 6 children (10–11 yrs) obese—predicts adult obesity.

Policy Responses

• Soft drinks industry levy (2018).
• Calorie labelling (large businesses, 2022).
• Restrictions on HFSS advertising (delayed).
• NHS Digital Weight Management Programme, specialist weight management services.