They say your job shapes you. This couldn’t be truer when it comes to the increase in obesity across the UK. As a family, we are huge advocates of active travel, and we practice what we preach. For work, school, and leisure, we cycle or walk as much as possible. But what’s the trend around the UK? I wanted to explore this.
As an 80’s child, I wanted to explore the data and see how things have shifted in the past 39 years of my life. They say people look back to their childhood with rose-tinted glasses. In some ways that’s true but did people really walk or cycle more in the past? The data suggests they did and the impact of going against this has supersized our population.
Obesity costs the National Health Service (NHS) around £6.5 billion per year and is expected to increase to over £9.7 billion by 2050. Obesity is the second biggest preventable cause of cancer.
I believe the increasing reliance on motor vehicles across all forms of transport, changes in urban design, and the shift to sedentary desk jobs have led to a notable decline in physical activity levels.
Overview
Based on data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), this overview highlights the changes in physical activity and obesity rates in the UK from 1980 to 2024. It illustrates the impact of declining physical activity on obesity prevalence over time, highlighting the significance of active transport and healthier lifestyle choices.
Obesity and Physical Activity Trends in the UK
- Obesity Rates: Obesity levels have steadily increased across the UK since the 1980s. By 2020, approximately 28% of adults in England were classified as obese. Regions like Barnsley showed much higher obesity rates (up to 33.8%), while more affluent areas like Kensington and Chelsea had significantly lower rates (around 13.7%) (ONS Health in England).
- Physical Activity: Physical activity levels, especially through active transport (walking and cycling), have declined over the years. Between 2015 and 2019, there was some improvement, but this trend reversed between 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, which reduced opportunities for outdoor activities. The “Healthy Lives” score, which encompasses physical activity levels, showed a decline in 2020 and 2021, returning to levels seen around 2015 (ONS Health Index).
- Health and Life Expectancy: The “Healthy People” score, reflecting health outcomes including obesity and chronic conditions, improved between 2015 and 2019 but saw declines during 2020 and 2021. These declines were driven by reduced physical activity, worse mental health, and the pandemic’s impact on health services (ONS Health in England).
Data Table: Physical Activity and Obesity Trends (1980-2024)
| Year | % of Population Engaged in Active Transport (e.g., Walking or Cycling) | Average Weekly Hours of Physical Activity for Transport per Person | % Obesity Prevalence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 45% | 6.0 hours | 8% |
| 1990 | 40% | 5.5 hours | 10% |
| 2000 | 35% | 4.8 hours | 15% |
| 2010 | 30% | 4.0 hours | 22% |
| 2020 | 25% | 3.5 hours | 28% |
| 2023 | 22% | 3.0 hours | 30% |
Summary
- The increasing reliance on motor vehicles, changes in urban design, and the shift to sedentary desk jobs have led to a notable decline in physical activity levels.
- This decline has contributed significantly to rising obesity rates across the UK.
- Addressing these challenges involves promoting active transport, improving community infrastructure, and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices.
Next Steps
For more in-depth year-on-year data or deeper analysis of specific areas, feel free to reach out or explore resources from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Last Updated on October 25, 2024 by Ryan
Hello. I am Ryan and along with my wife Beth and our two children Matilda and Barney, we love all things cycling and exploring. We spend our weekends exploring fun places to cycle and discover and wanted to help other people do the same too. There’s no better way to travel than via bike and it’s an amazing activity for the whole family to enjoy.