The Rise of Obesity in the UK

According to the World Health Organization, obesity has nearly doubled since 1980. Sixty-five percent of the world's population lives in countries where being overweight or obese accounts for higher mortality than being underweight or malnourished. In the United Kingdom, obesity is a rapidly growing issue, showing no signs of slowing down. The Foresight Report, conducted by the UK government, concluded that half the population could be obese by 2050, while independent organizations, such as the National Obesity Forum, predict that number will be higher. The reports estimate that the obese population could cost the Nation Health Service (NHS) as much as 10 billion British pounds ($16 billion) by 2050. This slideshow examines the growing debate as to the causes of obesity. And while pressure mounts to find a resolution, London is slowly moving towards a healthier lifestyle. Other areas of the UK, however, tell a much different story.

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