Around 40 million adults will be obese by 2035 if current trends continue, a new report is warning today.
The research, published by the Obesity Health Alliance, warns that more than 7.6 million new cases of disease linked to obesity could be diagnosed over the next 20 years.
This includes 4.62 million cases of type 2 diabetes, 1.63 million cases of coronary heart disease, and 670,000 new cases of cancer.
It found that a just a 1% shift in the number of people putting on extra weight each year until 2035, could help prevent around 77,000 cases of disease.
Alison Cox, Cancer Research UK’s director of prevention and member the Obesity Health Alliance, said: 'These numbers are shocking. And it’s difficult to think of the impact this will have on public health and an already strained NHS. Without bold action, the next generation will face more disease and live shorter lives.
'Kids are bombarded with advertisements for unhealthy food and if we are to give our children the chance for better and healthier lives, it’s vital the Government’s childhood obesity strategy restricts this kind of marketing.'
The Obesity Health Alliance is calling on the Government to introduce a strong childhood obesity strategy, including restricting junk food advertising on TV and setting targets to reduce the amount of sugar and fat in food.
