Understanding What is the Burden of Food Related Ill Health in the UK?

January 12, 2026 •

3 min read

According to a 2024 analysis, the cost of Britain's unhealthy food system amounts to a staggering £268 billion each year, creating a considerable economic and social burden of food related ill health in the UK. This multifaceted issue affects individuals, the NHS, and wider society.

Quick Summary

The burden of food related ill health in the UK covers vast economic costs from diet-related diseases like obesity and malnutrition, alongside the societal impact of premature deaths, disability, and widening health inequalities.

Key Points

Immense Financial Cost: The UK's unhealthy food system costs an estimated £268 billion annually, impacting healthcare, productivity, and social care.
Growing Obesity Epidemic: Obesity has surpassed smoking as a leading cause of preventable death in some UK regions, driving up NHS costs significantly.
Rising Food Insecurity: The cost-of-living crisis has worsened food insecurity, leading to higher rates of malnutrition, obesity, and mental health issues among vulnerable populations.
Worsening Health Inequalities: People in deprived areas and low-income households are disproportionately affected by poor diet and food-related illness, increasing health inequalities.
Multiple Drivers: The burden stems from diet-related chronic diseases, malnutrition, and foodborne illnesses, all requiring different policy responses.
Need for Systemic Change: Tackling the issue requires a multi-pronged approach, including better food policy, industry partnerships, and public health campaigns.

The Far-Reaching Economic Toll

Recent analyses reveal the immense financial strain caused by poor diets and food-related health problems in the UK. These costs are not limited to direct healthcare, but also include social care, lost productivity, and welfare spending. The NHS faces significant pressure, with malnutrition costing an estimated £19.6 billion per year. Additionally, obesity-related costs are projected to reach £9.7 billion by 2050. This substantial financial burden underscores the critical need for preventative measures.

The Overwhelming Health Consequences

Poor diet is a leading cause of disability and premature death in the UK, largely due to preventable dietary risks. These risks include high consumption of processed meats, fat, and sugar, and insufficient intake of fruits, vegetables, and fibre.

The Rise of Obesity and Diet-Related Conditions

Obesity is a major public health crisis, in some areas of the UK it has become a greater cause of preventable deaths than smoking. Adult obesity rates in England have increased significantly, affecting approximately one-in-four adults and increasing the risk of serious, long-term conditions. These conditions include Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, musculoskeletal problems, and mental health disorders.

Food Insecurity, Malnutrition, and Inequality

Food insecurity, exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis, is another critical factor contributing to the burden of ill health. The inability to access sufficient and nutritious food leads to health problems like malnutrition, obesity (often due to reliance on cheaper foods), and poor mental health. In 2022, a quarter of UK households with children experienced food insecurity, with higher rates in deprived areas. This disproportionately affects vulnerable groups and widens health inequalities.

The Threat of Foodborne Illnesses

Foodborne illnesses also add significantly to the overall burden. In 2018, the societal cost was an estimated £9 billion, affecting millions annually. Common culprits include Campylobacter and Salmonella, while Norovirus carries the greatest financial burden due to its prevalence. Listeria infections are less common but more severe, with higher human costs.

Comparison: Costs of Food-Related Health Issues


Health Issue	Key Economic Costs	Main Health Impacts
Diet-Related Chronic Diseases	Direct NHS costs (£6.5bn+/yr, rising) and substantial indirect costs due to lost productivity.	Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, some cancers.
Malnutrition	High direct costs to the NHS (£19.6bn/yr) due to treating malnourished patients, who cost more to treat.	Weakened immunity, poor mental and physical health, muscle wastage.
Foodborne Illnesses	Societal cost estimated at £9bn annually (2018), covering healthcare costs and lost productivity.	Food poisoning (e.g., from Campylobacter, Salmonella), which can be severe or fatal.

What Can Be Done to Alleviate the Burden?

Addressing the burden of food related ill health requires a multi-sectoral approach. This includes policy changes, industry involvement, and individual action. Initiatives include government campaigns like 'Better Health', proposals to extend free school meals and increase benefits, and local efforts to tackle food insecurity. Collaboration with supermarkets aims to improve health standards through reformulation and healthy food promotions. Even small dietary shifts across the population can lead to significant health improvements.

The UK's food system and rising health costs

The link between the UK's food system, the prevalence of ultra-processed foods, and increasing health costs is well-established. The rise in consumption of convenient, ultra-processed foods since the 1980s is linked to increased obesity rates. These foods, often high in fat, salt, and sugar, strain public health resources. Creating an environment where healthy food is accessible and affordable for all is crucial. For more in-depth analysis, the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission offers detailed reports on the UK's food system challenges.

Conclusion

The burden of food related ill health in the UK is a complex issue with significant economic, social, and human costs. It is primarily driven by poor diets leading to chronic conditions and exacerbated by food insecurity and foodborne illness. The impact is widespread, affecting productivity, worsening inequalities, and straining the NHS. A comprehensive approach involving government, industry, and the public is needed to create a food system that supports health.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 2024 analysis found that the costs of Britain's unhealthy food system amount to £268 billion every year, including direct healthcare and indirect societal costs.

The main health issues include chronic, diet-related diseases such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Malnutrition and foodborne illnesses also add significantly to the overall burden.

Yes, foodborne illness contributes significantly to the burden. The societal cost of foodborne illness in the UK was estimated at £9 billion in 2018, primarily driven by pathogens like Norovirus and Campylobacter.

Food insecurity leads to a lack of access to nutritious food. This can result in malnutrition, obesity (from a reliance on cheaper, less healthy foods), poor mental health, and exacerbated chronic conditions.

The health impacts are not distributed equally. Low-income households, residents of deprived areas, the elderly, and minority ethnic groups are disproportionately affected by food insecurity and diet-related ill health.

Initiatives include government campaigns like 'Better Health', industry partnerships with supermarkets, and calls for policy changes such as expanding free school meals and tackling food price inflation.

Recent research suggests that obesity, a condition heavily influenced by diet, has overtaken smoking as the number one cause of preventable deaths in England and Scotland.

Recommendations include adopting a 'health in all policies' approach, extending support for food insecure households, and implementing strategies that make healthier food choices more accessible and affordable.