Tackling Obesity in England - National Audit Office

ContentsExecutive summary and 1recommendationsPart 1: Introduction 7What is obesity? 7Why we studied obesity 7The administrative context 7Study methodology 10Part 2: The prevalence and 11costs of obesity in EnglandA standard definition of obesity 11This report has been prepared under Section 6 of theNational Audit Act 1983 for presentation to the Houseof Commons in accordance with Section 9 of the Act.John BournNational Audit OfficeComptroller and Auditor General 7 February 2001The Comptroller and Auditor General is the head of theNational Audit Office employing some 750 staff. He, andthe National Audit Office, are totally independent ofGovernment. He certifies the accounts of all Governmentdepartments and a wide range of other public sectorbodies; and he has statutory authority to report toParliament on the economy, efficiency and effectivenesswith which departments and other bodies have used theirresources.About a fifth of the population is obese and nearly 11two thirds of men and over half of women inEngland are either overweight or obeseThe prevalence of obesity in England has almost 12tripled since 1980 and will increase further onpresent trendsEvidence suggests that obesity is increasing 12more rapidly in England than in other parts of EuropeThe distribution of obesity in the population 12Changes in eating patterns and increasingly sedentary 13lifestyles are the most likely explanation for theupward trend in obesityThe substantial human costs of obesity 14We estimate that obesity cost the National Health 16Service at least around £½ billion in 1998The indirect costs of obesity in England may be around 17£2 billion a yearOn present trends, the costs of obesity could increase 17by a further £1 billion by 2010For further information about the National Audit Officeplease contact:National Audit OfficePress Office157-197 Buckingham Palace RoadVictoriaLondonSW1W 9SPTel: 020 7798 7400Email: enquiries@nao.gsi.gov.ukWebsite address: www.nao.gov.uk