The UK's Unhealthy Eating Habit Is Costing It Dear!

Brits seem hooked on foods that are high in fats, salt or sugar. They are also attracted to highly processed foods. Such food items are linked to obesity. Their consumption also produces high incidences of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke etc. The Food, Farming and Countryside Commission (FFCC) estimates that unhealthy food habits currently cost the UK at least £268bn per year. This figure far outstrips the entire cost of its National Health Service (NHS). The FFCC figure is made up of direct NHS costs, charges for social care services and welfare system pay-outs. Lost productivity is also an added component (https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/nov/15/uk-unhealthy-food-costs-268bn-a-year-report-food-farming-countryside-nhs). Injecting folk with eating suppressing drugs isn't a real answer. It's expensive and is unlikely to prove a healthy, long-term option. Prevention is always better than cure. Relying on the 'good' intentions of food producers isn't an option. They have had decades to get their collective act together. Profits have always trumped health considerations. The UK government clearly needs to a) refocus on preventing dietary-linked disorders, b) heavily tax unhealthy foods and c) use some of that tax, to give poorer folk better access (via vouchers) to fruit and vegetables. It may be 'nanny state' but Brits are clearly incapable of looking after themselves!