Key Points Over 30,000 deaths a year are caused by obesity in England alone. A study by the National Audit Office in 2002 estimated the condition costs the NHS £500 million a year. The overall cost to the country is estimated at up to £7.4 billion a year.


People are classed as obese if they have a body mass index over 30. They are overweight if it is 25-30


Adult obesity rates have almost quadrupled in the last 25 years. Now 22% of Britons are obese and three-quarters are overweight


The number of obese children has tripled in 20 years. 10% of six year olds are obese, rising to 17% of 15 year olds


Obesity can lead to health problems, including arthritis, heart disease and diabetes