A report by the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission has thrown much-needed light on UK’s unhealthy food habits that is costing the country £268 billion per year. It is more than double the amount of the total NHS budget-a clear indication of how bad dietary choices are impacting public health as much as they do to the economy.
A study published recently reveals that the surge in consumption of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt foods along with processed foods is an emerging health crisis, which Professor Tim Jackson of the University of Surrey led. The report found that £92 billion of that cost comes directly out of the government funds spent dealing with diet-related diseases. This is because of the £67.5 billion spent by the NHS on treating type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and kidney problems among others, as well as additional costs in social care and welfare services. The other £176 billion results from lost productivity and human cost through early death and suffering from these diseases.
Professor Jackson described the £268 billion figure as staggering and emphasized that it is likely an underestimation. According to the report, even if it is supposed that households change their diet by adhering to recommendations as highlighted from the government’s Eatwell Guide, it could cost another even £57 billion each year, piling the heaviest burden on the poor.
In addition, the FFCC report faulted food processors and marketers, claiming that the frenetic profit-interest marketing and the dominance of ultra-processed foods were driving the nation into an out-of-control health crisis. The Commission urged tighter regulatory policy by the government on the food sector, support to the farmers, and incentives to low-income families to purchase healthier foods.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to take up obesity and diet-related disease as proposals include imposition of sugar tax, junk food advertising ban, and a plan on limiting access to fast food in school. The health secretary Wes Streeting admitted urgency for action as he said that a change from treating illness to preventing it had to become central to the future of the NHS and the economy.
