Leicestershire JSNA 2018-2021: Obesity: Physical Activity, Healthy Weight and Nutrition

Tackling obesity requires a whole systems approach, from reforming national policy and legislation through to local action in different settings (such as schools and the workplace) and across different sectors (including corporate, voluntary and public sectors). This action needs to promote access to nutritious and healthy food, support people to maintain a healthy weight and encourage people to be more active in their daily lives. Without concerted action in these areas the problem of obesity will continue to rise, particularly in children, continue to impact on people's quality and length of life and present significant cost pressures on the public purse. Already in 2014 to 2015 it has been estimated that the NHS spent £6.1 billion on overweight and obesity-related illhealth with an overall cost to wider society of £27 billion per year. NHS costs are expected to reach £9.7 billion per year by 2050 and wider societal costs to £49.9 billion.