The cost of obesity is £47bn a year - that's more than war and terrorism

A recent study has revealed that obesity is a greater burden on the country’s finances than war and terrorism.

16:35 20 November 2014

Obesity is costing the UK  £47bn a year, according to a study conducted by the McKinsey Global Institute. It came second to the £57bn annual toll smoking takes on the economy.

"The global economic impact of obesity is increasing," the study said

"Today obesity is jostling with armed conflict and smoking in terms of having the greatest human-generated global economic impact."

The government is blamed for the growing crisis due to its inadequate response. The study branded its policy on obesity as “too fragmented to be effective.” It added that the government’s budget for the prevention of obesity is “relatively low given the scale of the problem.”

MGI said that the government, retailers, restaurants, and food and drink manufacturers must do their share to tackle the problem. They recommend portion controls on fast food packaged goods, the introduction of healthy meals in schools and workplaces, and more physical education in school curriculums.