Obesity and dietary risks are leading causes of deaths and disability in UK

Obesity and dietary risks are leading causes of deaths and disability in the UK 

New Global Burden of Disease data published by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation today reveals that:

Data source: Global Burden of Disease Collaborative Network. Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021) Results. Seattle, United States: Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), 2024. Available from https://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-results/

Dr Hannah Brinsden, Head of Policy and Advocacy at The Food Foundation, said: "The latest Global Burden of Disease data shows just how serious the impact of poor diet on the nation’s health has become.

"Overweight and obesity, as well as dietary risks, are leading causes of death and disability, yet in many cases this is preventable.

"This data comes amid concerns about pressures on the NHS and economic inactivity in the workforce. Recent figures from ONS estimate that as many as 2.8 million people aged 16-64 years are economically inactive because of long-term sickness.

"The new GBD data published today highlights the need for urgent investment in actions which can protect peoples’ health, improve food environments and help to reduce diet and health inequalities.

"Ahead of the general election, The Food Foundation is calling for comprehensive action to support our citizens through a range of interventions ranging from restrictions on advertising of junk food, rebalancing food prices using taxes and subsidies, to improving the healthiness of food, providing better nutritional safety nets for low-income households (such as expanding eligibility for Free School Meals and Healthy Start), and supporting the horticulture sector to improve our food security and access to healthy foods, particularly fruit and vegetables.

"We simply can’t sit back and do nothing anymore, and this new data is yet another reminder that preventing poor dietary health will have to be a top priority for the next government."

NOTE TO EDITORS

Please contact: Juliet Grant on 07929075489 or email juliet.grant@foodfoundation.org.uk

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ABOUT THE FOOD FOUNDATION
The Food Foundation is a charity working to influence food policy and business practice, shaping a sustainable food system which makes healthy diets affordable and accessible for all. We work in partnership with researchers, campaigners, community bodies, industry, investors, government and citizens to galvanise the UK’s diverse agents of change, using surprising and inventive ideas to drive fundamental shifts in our food system. These efforts are based on the continual re-evaluation of opportunities for action, building and synthesising strong evidence, convening powerful coalitions, harnessing citizens’ voices and delivering impactful communications.        
Registered Charity Number 1187611.

ABOUT THE DATA
The data is from: Global Burden of Disease Collaborative Network. Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021) Results. Seattle, United States: Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), 2024. Available from https://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-results/