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).