UK Obesity Statistics 2026
Over 28% of UK adults are obese and a further 36% are overweight. Live counter tracking the scale and cost of obesity in the UK.
Adults Obese (BMI 30+)
Adults Overweight or Obese
Children Obese at Year 6 (Age 11)
Children Obese at Year R (Age 4/5)
Annual NHS Cost of Obesity
Wider Economic Cost Per Year
Bariatric Surgeries Per Year
UK Obesity Rate vs OECD Nations
Source: NHS Digital Health Survey for England · OHID · 2023/24
About These Statistics
The UK has one of the highest obesity rates in Europe. According to the NHS Digital Health Survey for England, approximately 28% of adults are obese (BMI over 30) and a further 36% are overweight — meaning nearly two-thirds of adults have an unhealthy weight.
Childhood obesity is a particular concern. The National Child Measurement Programme found that 10% of children are obese at reception age and 23% are obese by year 6. Children from more deprived areas are twice as likely to be obese.
Obesity costs the NHS approximately £6.5 billion per year. The wider economic cost is estimated at £27 billion per year. New GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as semaglutide (Wegovy) have shown transformational results and NHS England approved Wegovy for treatment in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on official UK government data
What is the UK obesity rate in 2026?
Approximately 28% of adults in England are obese, with 64% overweight or obese overall. The UK has the 5th highest adult obesity rate among OECD nations.
Is childhood obesity getting worse?
Around 10% of children entering primary school are obese and 23% are obese by the time they leave. Children from the most deprived backgrounds are twice as likely to be obese.
What health problems does obesity cause?
Obesity significantly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, sleep apnoea, osteoarthritis and depression.
How much does obesity cost the NHS?
Obesity costs the NHS approximately £6.5 billion per year in treating obesity-related conditions. The wider societal cost is estimated at £27 billion per year.
What are the new weight loss drugs available in the UK?
GLP-1 drugs including semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) have been licensed in the UK. Wegovy was approved by NICE in 2023 for NHS use, typically producing 15-20% weight loss.
UK Adult Obesity Rates by Year — 1993 to 2023
Percentage of adults obese (BMI 30+), England. Source: NHS Digital.
| Year | Obese (%) | Overweight or Obese (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 13% | 45% |
| 2000 | 20% | 54% |
| 2005 | 23% | 57% |
| 2010 | 26% | 61% |
| 2015 | 27% | 62% |
| 2019 | 28% | 63% |
| 2023 | 28% | 64% |
Source: NHS Digital Health Survey for England
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