The Cost Of Obesity in the UK
The overall financial cost of obesity in the UK is almost beyond belief, approaching £58 billion per year. What is even more alarming is that it is growing year on year and has been doing so for some time. The medical cost alone to the National Health Service (NHS) of treating obesity in England has been estimated at £6.5 billion per year.
This includes the cost of treating conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer of overweight individuals. It is an accepted fact that all of these health issues are more common in people who are obese. Additionally, the demand for orthopaedic procedures from the ever-growing overweight public requiring hip and knee replacement is almost relentless. This treatment cost continues to increase annually, becoming an additional burden on the NHS.
Costs go Beyond the NHS. Matthew Bell, Head of Public Policy at Frontier Economics, said: “Our study shows that the costs attributable to obesity go far beyond the costs to the NHS. Other costs include the reduced quality of life and reduced work productivity for people living with obesity. This suggests a strong case to implement well-targeted interventions which meet the diverse needs of people with obesity to support sustained weight loss and weight management while also focusing on prevention.”
Sick Days and Absenteeism. The financial cost of obesity is only one part of the mix. Obesity-related health problems lead to increased sick days and absenteeism, as well as lower morale among employees. Obesity also puts a strain on company resources, as obese employees are more likely to need special accommodations or equipment. In the long run, the cost of obesity to industry can be devastating.
As we mentioned above, one sector that is seeing an ever-increasing demand is those tasked with the provision of orthopaedic surgery, in particular hip and knee replacements. Some, but not all, orthopaedic surgeons now impose a weight limit for both knee and hip replacement patients. This is due to the additional risks involved. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states that obese adults are 20 times more likely to need a knee replacement than those who are not overweight.
Hips and Knees take the strain. Being obese causes extra wear and tear on the joints. Every pound of body weight creates 4-6 pounds of pressure on the knees. The number of hip and knee replacement surgeries carried out last year in the US exceeded one million.
The issues around obesity have existed for many years. A number of UK government-backed interventions to solve or at least reduce the burden of obesity have been implemented over the last decade. Consequently, tens of millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money has been thrown into the problem. Sadly, however, none of the trialled interventions to date have provided a positive outcome.
What are the possible solutions to this problem?
Two approaches need to be implemented simultaneously. An upstream intervention around obesity needs to be adopted, probably at the government level, with public sector involvement. As an example, this may involve an education programme about nutrition and diet in general. We need to stop the ever-growing number of people becoming obese as soon as possible. One possible solution may be improving access to healthy food options whilst encouraging physical activity.
New downstream solutions will be required to reverse, where possible, the existing level of obesity in society. This will need to span multiple generations and incorporate solutions that the public finds both acceptable and sustainable.
The Cost of Obesity
Past upstream solutions have repeatedly failed. They have included, as an example, a sugar tax, along with an effort to reposition confectionery in supermarkets. Additionally, an overhaul of the offerings of school meals has taken place, with healthy options being introduced. Whilst these are all well-meant interventions, not one has delivered much more than a token result.
The number of downstream solutions that have been implemented is vast, but the general level of success once again leaves a lot to be desired. The UK is now in the top five most obese countries in the world. To many outsiders, it almost seems as if no one is taking responsibility, as the problem continues to grow on a literally month-on-month basis.
Wegovy, a downstream fix
Wegovy (Semaglutide) for weight Loss. The pursuit of effective weight-loss solutions has led to the rise of pharmaceutical interventions (injectables). Ozempic was originally an FDA-approved treatment for type 2 diabetes, but one of the common side effects is weight loss. Interestingly, Ozempic can be more effective for weight loss than Saxenda, which is an injection specifically licensed for weight loss in the UK! However, the new weight-loss injection everyone is talking about is Wegovy (Semaglutide).
While Wegovy undoubtedly shows promise, it’s highly important that both doctors and their patients are informed of the potential drawbacks, along with a sound understanding of the comprehensive approach required. This must include the issues associated with the entire range of injectable weight-loss solutions, including Wegovy.
The proven science is the main factor for overweight individuals using Wegovy to clearly understand. It really works!!!! But there is a big problem down the road. In as much as that, it stops working abruptly the day that you stop taking it. Without a psychological intervention, all the weight lost will return. There is no guarantee of future government funding; users must take the drug for life or accept that the results achieved will reverse.
We Offered it For Free.
We make no excuse for the promoting and offering of our own non-surgical, non-pharmacological, permanent weight-loss programme to the NHS. Naturally, we offered the programme on a ‘Not for Profit’ basis. Indeed, on live UK national television with Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, we offered to treat a group of obese patients selected by their GPs free of any charge. Maybe surprisingly, the take-up was zero!! We thought at the time, and continue to think that it was very strange…
Our psychology-focused treatment is built around Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), incorporating Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). It is also uniquely underpinned by our own Life Architecture Therapy, along with TCBT, our upgraded version of CBT. The incorporation of TCBT in the programme ensures that it is totally unique. Many professionals have endorsed our work, including Professor Windy Dryden of Goldsmiths University in London and Professor Philip Zimbardo of Stanford University in the USA.
The United Kingdom is rapidly becoming the obese capital of the world. We need to find and implement a solution sooner rather than later. Below are a few of the thoughts of the team in the office.
Many interventions focus on diet and exercise, which are important but often oversimplified. Adopting and maintaining these changes can be difficult due to personal preferences, cultural factors, and the availability of healthy food and exercise options.
Crash diets or extreme exercise regimens may yield short-term results, but they can be difficult to sustain over the long term. People often regain the weight they lost once they revert to their previous habits.
Emotional eating, stress, and mental health issues can contribute to obesity. Treating these underlying psychological factors is crucial for successful and sustainable weight management.
The abundance of conflicting information about weight loss and health can confuse individuals seeking to manage their weight. Fad diets and unproven supplements can lead to disappointment and setbacks.
Successful weight management requires a lifelong commitment to healthy habits. Many people struggle to maintain these habits over time.
The team felt that any efforts to treat obesity should ideally involve a combination of medical, psychological, dietary, and physical activity interventions, all tailored to the individual. Recognizing the complexities of the condition and addressing its underlying causes is essential for more successful outcomes in obesity treatment.
Our top six FAQs on the cost of obesity
Answer: The overall financial cost of obesity in the UK is approximately £58 billion per year. This includes the direct medical costs of treating conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer and the societal costs related to lost productivity and social care.
Answer: The NHS spends an estimated £6.5 billion per year on treating obesity-related health issues, making it a substantial burden on the healthcare system.
Answer: Obesity-related health problems lead to increased employee sick days and absenteeism. Additionally, lower morale and the need for special accommodations or equipment for obese employees can strain company resources.
Answer: Addressing the current obesity problem requires both upstream and downstream solutions that span multiple generations and are sustainable and acceptable to the public. These solutions should include measures to prevent obesity and improve access to healthy food options and physical activity. We don’t like to keep banging our drum, but obesity is predominantly a psychological issue and must be treated as such.
Answer: Past interventions, such as sugar taxes and changes to school meals, have not delivered significant results. The UK is now among the top five most obese countries in the world, indicating that previous efforts have fallen short.
Answer: Wegovy (Semaglutide) is a pharmaceutical intervention for weight loss. While it shows promise, users need to understand that it may stop working once they stop taking it, and without psychological intervention, the lost weight may return.
In conclusion, the financial cost of obesity in the UK is substantial and continues to grow. Efforts to combat obesity have faced challenges, but a comprehensive approach that addresses its multifaceted nature offers hope for more successful outcomes in the future.
Tired of Failed Diets? Discover a Proven Weight-Loss Solution!
Are you tired of trying countless diets that never seem to work? Frustrated with the constant cycle of losing and regaining weight? What if a medically endorsed solution was rooted in thousands of hours of clinical experience? One that didn’t involve restrictive diets, excessive exercise, or invasive surgeries? Sarah Hart, below, featured on UK television, lost an incredible 140 pounds.
A Psychological Approach to Sustainable Weight Loss
Consider a new psychological approach to weight loss, where you effortlessly learn to eat when you’re genuinely hungry rather than relying on emotions like tiredness, sadness, loneliness, stress or depression to dictate your eating habits. You can complete the whole My Weigh Less Master Class from the comfort of your own home. The course includes a PDF forensic questionnaire, 12 audio MP3 sessions, 9 different hypnosis sessions and much more. For more information, you can read our Course Details page.
Imagining a Healthier You
Picture yourself as a healthier, slimmer version of yourself, free from dieting fears and able to enjoy social events with boundless energy and boosted self-esteem. Meet the experts behind the success: Martin and Marion Shirran are clinical therapists with nearly two decades of experience in the weight-loss field. They are the creators of the globally acclaimed Gastric Mind Band Permanent Weight-Loss Treatment. Sharon below lost 60 pounds on the programme.
Celebrated in the Media and Beyond
Their ground-breaking work has been featured in prominent newspapers such as the Daily Mail, The Times, The Telegraph, and the Express. Leading magazines like Vogue, Marie Claire, Good Housekeeping, and Reader’s Digest have also recognised their contributions. The Shirrans and several of their clients have also made television appearances on both sides of the Atlantic.
A Diverse Clientele Achieving Success
Over a thousand individuals, including medical professionals, celebrities, and the general public, have travelled from around the world to experience their weight-loss treatment. Some sought to enhance their appearance, while others prioritised their health, successfully reversing medical conditions like insulin resistance, diabetes, high blood pressure, and fatty liver disease.
A Continuously Evolving Approach
The My Weigh Less programme has undergone over fifteen years of research and development. Clients of various ages, from fourteen to eighty-six, have achieved remarkable results. Check out the many verified weight-loss success stories and before-and-after photos on this website.
Accessible and Effective
So are you ready to embark on your weight-loss journey? Martin and Marion Shirran, in the photo above, along with Oxford Therapeutics Ltd, have made their unique approach more accessible than ever. You can download their ‘My Weigh Less Master Class’ to your phone, tablet, or desktop computer today. You can complete the entire twelve-session course from the comfort of your own home.
Be the next My Weigh Less success story
Experience the ‘My Weigh Less’ downloadable treatment, a medically endorsed, proven weight-loss approach backed by over 15,000 hours of clinical treatment. Say goodbye to dieting struggles and hello to permanent results.
Ready to Transform Your Life?
Begin your weight-loss journey today. Discover how a psychology-focused weight-loss method that works will ensure you finally reach your goals. Visit the ‘Buy Now’ page to start your transformation.
–Permanent Weight Loss –
– No Diet or Exercise Required –
– Medically Endorsed –
– 15,000 1:1 Clinical Hours Experience –
– Fully Downloadable –
– Featured in Global Media –
– Award-Winning Programme –
Marion Shirran, as a director of Oxford Therapeutics Limited, is proud to be a registered Stakeholder in NICE – National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Additionally, she is involved in the government’s All Party Parliamentary Group on Obesity.
We were proud to be nominated the ‘Most Innovative Obesity Psychological Therapy Service’ in the UK Mental Health Awards 2022.
We also appeared on the This Morning TV show, with Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
In 2010 we travelled to New York to be interviewed on the Good Morning America TV Show.
We are also co-authors of two bestselling books on the topic of non-surgical weight loss, published by Hay House.
You can read a full breakdown of all the components included in the treatment package on the Course Details page. There is also an explanation of the treatment on the Does This Work? page. We look forward to working with you. Additionally, you can read reviews from medical and other professionals on the Medical Endorsement page.
View Short Animated Want and Need Video Below…
Click on the link below to listen to our short audio introduction of the weight-loss course.
You can download the complete My Weigh Less course, and start your weight-loss journey today.
My Weigh Less®/myweighless.com and all associated intellectual property rights, are the property of Oxford Therapeutics Limited, a company registered in London.
You can read additional information about us and our weight-loss treatment on the Gastric Mind Band website.
Although the weight-loss results and success stories shown on the site are typical, individual results will vary, and are not guaranteed. Weight-loss success depends on each individual’s level of motivation, commitment, food intake and metabolism. Read our full disclaimer in the Terms & Conditions.
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