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Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryIndustry / policy report

The Economic and Productivity Costs of Obesity and Excess Weight in the UK

Frontier Economics, commissioned by Nesta

2025.0

All evidence

Summary

This report, produced by Frontier Economics and commissioned by Nesta, estimates the economic burden of obesity and excess weight in the UK, encompassing both direct costs to the NHS and indirect costs such as reduced workforce productivity. Drawing on existing epidemiological and economic data, the report likely models the financial implications of current obesity prevalence trends. It is intended to inform policy discussions around obesity prevention and intervention investment in the UK context.

UK applicability

The report is specifically focused on the United Kingdom and is directly applicable to UK health policy, public sector workforce planning, and government strategies targeting obesity reduction. Its findings are likely intended to support the case for investment in preventive health and food system interventions.

Key measures

Economic cost estimates (£ billions); productivity losses; healthcare costs; workforce absenteeism and presenteeism; prevalence of obesity and excess weight

Outcomes reported

The report likely estimates the direct and indirect economic costs attributable to obesity and excess weight in the UK, including impacts on labour productivity, healthcare expenditure, and wider societal costs.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Obesity & metabolic health
Study type
Policy
Study design
Policy report
Source type
Industry/policy report
Status
Published
Geography
UK
System type
Human clinical
Catalogue ID
WP0104

Topic tags

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