Obesity costing UK economy £47 billion report finds A report has found that obesity is a greater burden on the UKs economy than armed violence, war and terrorism, costing the country nearly £47 billion a year. The study, commissioned by consultancy firm McKinsey and Company, revealed obesity has the second-largest economic impact on the UK behind smoking, generating an annual loss equivalent to 3% of GDP. Last updated Thu 20 Nov 2014 Obesity cost more than violence, war and terrorism The authors of a report into obesity have called called for a coordinated response from governments, retailers, restaurants and food and drink manufacturers to address the global obesity crisis. A series of 44 interventions could bring 20% of overweight or obese people in UK back to normal weight within five to 10 years, the report said. This would save around #16 billion a year in UK, including an annual saving of about £766 million in the NHS, according to the study. Obesity is a major global economic problem caused by a multitude of factors. Today obesity is jostling with armed conflict and smoking in terms of having the greatest human-generated global economic impact. The global economic impact of obesity is increasing. The evidence suggests that the economic and societal impact of obesity is deep and lasting. – MCKINSEY AND COMPANY REPORT The report found the economic impact from smoking in the UK was £57 billion in 2012, or 3.6% of GDP, while the country suffered a £43 billion annual loss from armed violence, war and terrorism or 2.5% of GDP.
Posted on: Thu, 20 Nov 2014 08:51:27 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015