Obesity is a major health crisis in England, affecting more than two-thirds (63%) of the population. 1 in 3 children between the ages of 10-11 are now classified as overweight or obese. (NHS England, 2026)
Often caused by not doing enough physical activity and eating and drinking more than your body needs, living with overweight or obesity increases your risk of developing a variety of other serious health conditions. (NHS, 2026)
On average, 80-85% of with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. The risk of type 2 diabetes increases considerably in line with an increase in body mass index. Type 2 diabetes has been directly linked to obesity and has been known to be reversible if considerable lifestyle changes are made. (Diabetes.co.uk, 2026)
Living with overweight or obesity can affect a person’s metabolism and increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis – a painful condition involving the wearing down of cartilage on weight-bearing joints such as knees.
Overweight men are 5 times more likely to develop osteoarthritis. It is the most common type of arthritis. Being just 10 pounds overweight increases the force on the knee by 30-60 pounds with each step. There is currently no cure for osteoarthritis, however adapting to a healthier lifestyle has been known to reduce pain in patients. (John Hopkins Arthritis Center, 2026)
Overweight and obesity are the second biggest cause of cancer in the UK, causing more than 1 in 20 cancer cases. (Cancer Research UK, 2026) Research states that obesity can cause at least 13 different cancers including breast, bowel, kidney, pancreatic, myeloma and thyroid. The risk of cancer increases with the more excess weight a person gains, and the longer a person is overweight. (CDC, 2026)
Making changes to your lifestyle, such as increasing levels of physical activity and eating a balanced diet, is a great way to lower your BMI and can help to prevent obesity-related health conditions such as these.
For help and information about safe weight-loss, discuss with a health professional or check out the following links:
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/managing-your-weight/tips-to-help-you-lose-weight/
Cancer Research UK, 2026. How Does Obesity Cause Cancer?. [Online]
Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/obesity-weight-and-cancer/how-does-obesity-cause-cancer
[Accessed 18th August 2026].
CDC, 2026. Obesity and Cancer. [Online]
Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/risk-factors/obesity.html
[Accessed 18th August 2026].
Diabetes.co.uk, 2026. Diabetes and Obesity. [Online]
Available at: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-and-obesity.html
[Accessed 17th August 2026].
John Hopkins Arthrits Center, 2026. The Role of Body Weight in Osteoarthritis. [Online]
Available at: https://www.hopkinsarthritis.org/patient-corner/disease-management/role-of-body-weight-in-osteoarthritis/
[Accessed 18th August 2026].
NHS England, 2026. Obesity. [Online]
Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/prevention/obesity/
[Accessed 17th August 2026].
NHS, 2026. Overweight & Obesity. [Online]
Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/overweight-and-obesity/
[Accessed 17th August 2026].
This article provides general information only and is not medical advice. If you have concerns about your health, please speak to a healthcare professional.
