UK’s obesity and overweight epidemic costs £126bn a year, study suggests

Exclusive: Experts say higher figure than past estimates should be wake-up call for ministers to tackle obesity The cost of the UK’s epidemic of overweight and obesity has soared to £126bn a year, far higher than previous estimates, according to a study. The bill includes the costs of NHS care (£12.6bn), the years people spend in poor health because of their weight (£71.4bn) and the damage to the economy (£31bn).