Citerank: (16) 340964Tackling obesity in the UKWith concern growing that the Foresight analysis—that 50% of the UK population could be obese by 2050, at an annual cost to the nation of around £50 billion per year [2]—substantially underestimates the scale of the unfolding obesity crisis, the College of Contemporary Health is working with the wider policy community to develop a whole systems map of the obesity crisis and the potential responses.7F1CEB7, 348688Impacts of obesityObesity presents a significant threat to the health of the UK population and a significant drain on the nation's financial resources. 24.9% of adults in England are obese—with a body mass index of over 30—62% of adults are either overweight or obese (with a BMI of over 25), and 32% of 10–11-year-olds are overweight or obese. The annual cost of obesity to the UK is estimated to be £27bn–£46bn [1], [2]; although international comparisons suggest that the true cost could be significantly higher.57DE7179, 348776A profound impact on the health of the populationObesity is responsible for more than 9,000 premature deaths each year in England, reduces life expectancy on average by nine years, and is a major risk factor in wide range of serious health problems including Type 2 diabetes (5 x), cancer (3 x the risk of colon cancer), and heart disease (2.5 x).57DE7179, 348780Causes of obesityUnderstanding the causes of obesity is critical to the success of prevention and treatment strategies. However, while (simply put) obesity occurs when energy intake from food and drink consumption is greater than energy expenditure through the body’s metabolism and physical activity over a prolonged period (resulting in the accumulation of excess body fat), in reality many complex behavioural and societal factors contribute systemically to the current crisis and no single influence dominates.555CD992, 348780Causes of obesityUnderstanding the causes of obesity is critical to the success of prevention and treatment strategies. However, while (simply put) obesity occurs when energy intake from food and drink consumption is greater than energy expenditure through the body’s metabolism and physical activity over a prolonged period (resulting in the accumulation of excess body fat), in reality many complex behavioural and societal factors contribute systemically to the current crisis and no single influence dominates.555CD992, 351719Actions – Local Authorities2794CAE1, 352281Changes required across many different policy areasObesity has to be seen as not just a technical, food, physical activity or healthcare problem but a challenge for what sort of society is being built. Small, incremental, publicity-driven (i.e. social market-based) changes might suit the existing balance of policy interests, but a more extensive, co-ordinated, cross-sectoral action would be more effective.1198CE71, 352311Lost productivityObesity has as a serious impact on UK economic development –  constraining economic productivity and increasing business costs – affecting individuals’ ability to get and hold down work, their self-esteem and their underlying mental health.57DE7179, 352314Actions – Central Government2794CAE1, 399558Changes required across many different policy areasObesity has to be seen as not just a technical, food, physical activity or healthcare problem but a challenge for what sort of society is being built. Small, incremental, publicity-driven (i.e. social market-based) changes might suit the existing balance of policy interests, but a more extensive, co-ordinated, cross-sectoral action would be more effective.1198CE71, 399559Target interventions across the whole course of lifeTackling obesity effectively requires the adoption of a life course approach – from pre-conception through pregnancy, infancy, early years, childhood, adolescence and teenage years, and through to adulthood and preparing for older age. There are specific opportunities and challenges at each stage of the life course and action is needed at all ages to avert the short- and long-term consequences of excess weight and to ensure that health inequalities are addressed. 565CA4D9, 399887Causes of obesityUnderstanding the causes of obesity is critical to the success of prevention and treatment strategies. However, while (simply put) obesity occurs when energy intake from food and drink consumption is greater than energy expenditure through the body’s metabolism and physical activity over a prolonged period (resulting in the accumulation of excess body fat), in reality many complex behavioural and societal factors contribute systemically to the current crisis and no single influence dominates.555CD992, 399887Causes of obesityUnderstanding the causes of obesity is critical to the success of prevention and treatment strategies. However, while (simply put) obesity occurs when energy intake from food and drink consumption is greater than energy expenditure through the body’s metabolism and physical activity over a prolonged period (resulting in the accumulation of excess body fat), in reality many complex behavioural and societal factors contribute systemically to the current crisis and no single influence dominates.555CD992, 399972Impacts of obesityObesity presents a significant threat to the health of the UK population and a significant drain on the nation's financial resources. 23% of adults are obese—with a body mass index of over 30—61% of adults are either overweight or obese (with a BMI of over 25), and 33% of 10–11-year-olds are overweight or obese. The annual cost of obesity to the UK economy has been estimated to be £27bn–£46bn [1], [2]; although international comparisons suggest that the true cost could be significantly higher.57DE7179, 399974A profound impact on the health of the populationObesity is responsible for more than 9,000 premature deaths each year in England, reduces life expectancy on average by nine years, and is a major risk factor in wide range of serious health problems including Type 2 diabetes (5 x), cancer (3 x the risk of colon cancer), and heart disease (2.5 x).57DE7179, 400018Lost productivityObesity has as a serious impact on UK economic development –  constraining economic productivity and increasing business costs – affecting individuals’ ability to get and hold down work, their self-esteem and their underlying mental health.57DE7179

This document sets out how the new approach to public health will enable effective action on obesity and encourages a wide range of partners to play their part.

Ultimately, ‘obesity policy’ is about behaviour, and the ability of policymakers to influence and affect the choices and behaviour of individuals. Although a focus on particular sub-groups has informed such policy, the effect of life course transitions and changes on behaviour have largely been ignored in relation to obesity.

This report therefore deploys a life course approach to review factors influencing behavior and choices relating to balanced diets and physical activity. The ‘life course approach’ views the action and behaviour of individuals in the context of the continuum of their lives from birth to death, and transition through various life stages and transition points. These key life stages and transition points can render individuals more susceptible to negative health outcomes. However, they also present opportunities for intervention, for example with healthcare services, educational institutions and employers.