Half the population of the United Kingdom may be obese by 2050. What are the causes and what is being done?
Launched November 10, 2014
According to the World Health Organization, obesity has nearly doubled since 1980. Sixty-five percent of the world's population live in countries where being overweight or obese accounts for higher mortality than being underweight or malnourished.
In the United Kingdom, obesity is a rapidly growing issue, showing no signs of slowing down. The Foresight Report, conducted by the UK government, concluded that half the population could be obese by 2050, while independent organizations, such as the National Obesity Forum, predict that number will be higher. The reports estimate that the obese population could cost the Nation Health Service (NHS) as much as 10 billion British pounds ($16 billion) by 2050.
This project examines the growing debate as to the causes of obesity. And while pressure mounts to find a resolution, London is slowly moving towards a healthier lifestyle. Other areas of the UK, however, tell a much different story.
Student Fellow
Jamie Walsh is a journalism graduate student at South Dakota State University. She was raised in Boston, where she earned her bachelors degree from the University of Massachusetts. After relocating...
In the UK, obesity is a rapidly growing issue, showing no signs of slowing down. One London-based raw vegan chef is responding.
Seventeen student fellows traveled from Campus Consortium universities throughout the country, spark discussions on everything from environmental crises and prison reform to global health and racism.
In the UK, obesity is a rapidly growing issue, showing no signs of slowing down. One London-based raw vegan chef is responding.
Seventeen student fellows traveled from Campus Consortium universities throughout the country, spark discussions on everything from environmental crises and prison reform to global health and racism.
In the UK, obesity is a rapidly growing issue, showing no signs of slowing down. One London-based raw vegan chef is responding.