The UK faces a mounting crisis due to its growing addiction to unhealthy, highly processed foods, costing the nation a staggering £268 billion annually—an amount that far exceeds the NHS budget, according to new research. This increased consumption of foods high in fat, salt, and sugar is taking a severe toll on both public health and Britain’s economy, as highlighted in a report by the Food, Farming, and Countryside Commission (FFCC).
“Our food system is failing us. Instead of promoting health, it’s making us sick, with costs that are becoming unsustainable,” the FFCC report states. This groundbreaking study is the first to comprehensively quantify the impact of Britain’s unhealthy eating habits based on the government’s nutritional quality assessment system.
Of the £268 billion, £92 billion represents direct costs to the government associated with the so-called “unhealthy food system.” This includes spending by the NHS (£67.5 billion), social care services (£14.3 billion), and the welfare system (£10.1 billion) to manage diet-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disorders. The remaining £176 billion accounts for indirect costs, including lost productivity due to diet-related illnesses (£116.4 billion) and “human costs” like pain and premature death (£60 billion).
“The scale of the cost is staggering and very conservative,” said Professor Tim Jackson, an economist at the University of Surrey, who conducted the research for the FFCC. He emphasized that the £268 billion figure might only scratch the surface of the true financial burden.
The report increases pressure on Labour leader Keir Starmer to act on his commitment to improve public health and strengthen the NHS. Labour has pledged measures including a ban on junk food advertising before 9 p.m. and restrictions on energy drink sales to minors, as part of broader efforts to combat diet-related health issues.
Jackson’s research draws on an array of studies and projections from UK government sources, international organizations like the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, and think tanks such as the Tony Blair Institute. The analysis underscores the need for substantial changes to Britain’s food consumption patterns. According to the findings, households would have to spend an additional £38 per week—equating to £57 billion annually—to adhere to the government’s Eatwell guide, which recommends increased intake of fruits, vegetables, and fiber while reducing consumption of unhealthy snacks and processed foods. Such costs would disproportionately burden the poorest households, doubling their weekly food spending at a time when food insecurity and the cost of living crisis are widespread.
Dr. Dolly van Tulleken, an obesity expert at Cambridge University and a contributor to the report, stated, “This £268 billion figure exposes a food system that privatizes profit while socializing harm from unhealthy eating. It represents the failure of decades of inadequate regulation.”
Sue Pritchard, Chief Executive of the FFCC, urged stronger government action to regulate the food industry. She accused food companies of prioritizing profits over consumer health through manipulative marketing tactics and enticing packaging. Pritchard suggested policies like vouchers for low-income households to purchase UK-grown fruits and vegetables and more support for farmers.
The report issued additional warnings:
• The market for ultra-processed foods is projected to grow by 8.4% annually over the next decade, outpacing the overall 6.5% growth in food sales, despite mounting health concerns.
• The reliance on anti-obesity drugs such as Ozempic poses long-term financial challenges, as they require lifelong use to prevent relapses.
• The recent surge in diet-related illnesses reflects what Lord Darzi described as “a society in distress” during his recent NHS review.
The Food and Drink Federation expressed its willingness to tackle diet-related health issues, noting industry efforts to create healthier product options and reduce calorie, sugar, and salt content based on government guidelines.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the urgent need for action, citing obesity’s economic toll and strain on the NHS. “We’ve made strides with initiatives like banning junk food ads on TV and limiting school access to fast food,” Streeting said, adding that a focus on prevention through healthy diets and lifestyles is vital for the UK’s future health and economic stability.
