Junk food outlets explode as high streets become ‘Obesity Traps’ | UK | News

Britain’s high streets are turning into “junk food districts” and fast-food outlets have increased by almost 60 per cent in a decade as obesity spirals out of control, a new report reveals.

The shocking findings come as Government figures show nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of adults in England are now living with overweight or obesity, putting pressure on the NHS and fueling fears of a ticking time bomb for public health.

The research reveals that high streets across the country are now dominated by fast food, sweet shops and calorie-laden takeaway chains; This is a constant temptation for families and children, health experts warn.

The number of fast food restaurants on the UK’s high streets will increase by 59 per cent between 2014 and 2024, reflecting a sharp rise in obesity and diet-related diseases, researchers found.

Health campaigners say the findings highlight how Britain’s food landscape has become “averse” to ordinary people trying to eat healthily, especially those living in town and city centres.

The findings come at a time of growing concern about the health consequences of Britain’s expanding waistline.

64 per cent of adults in England are overweight or obese, according to the latest government data, while nearly one in three children leave primary school overweight or obese.

Tam Fry, President of the National Obesity Forum, said: “This is a national crisis and the reason is there is fast food everywhere you go. It is destroying people’s health. It is the inevitable consequence of governments failing for decades to protect the public from the mountain of ultra-processed foods they have. It is the government’s fault that the food industry is not regulated. The food industry exists to make money for the food industry. It will do nothing for public health unless it is encouraged.”

And Professor Carl Heneghan said: “This has become a crisis. We are more unhealthy and unfit than ever and it will cost us a fortune. “We have widespread chronic weight-related diseases that start in childhood and early adulthood.

“We live in a world of fast food retail with highly processed, calorie-packed foods; our diet becomes trash. This is now a public health public health priority.”

The Chemist4U analysis examined high streets in the UK’s most populous cities, counting the number of outlets selling foods classified as unhealthy, including fast-food chains, ice cream parlors, confectionery shops, bakeries and convenience stores, within a 500-metre radius.

In some places, almost half of food outlets were found to be unhealthy; This creates environments where it’s impossible to avoid cheap, ultra-processed foods that critics describe as “obesogenic.”

One of the most striking findings was that St Peter’s Street in Derby topped the national list; 46 percent of nearby food outlets were classified as unhealthy; This means that almost every store sells foods linked to weight gain.

Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, joint problems and some cancers, costing the NHS an estimated £6.5 billion a year; The cost to wider society is much higher.

Health chiefs have repeatedly warned that unless action is taken to tackle the food environment, the next generation could face shorter, less healthy lives than their parents.

Campaigners say the dominance of junk food is the result of a perfect storm of rising living costs, cheap ultra-processed foods and struggling high streets.

Fast-food chains generally benefit from lower overhead costs and higher foot traffic; This makes them more likely to survive in places where traditional greengrocers, butchers and cafes have disappeared.

Health groups are now renewing their calls for tighter planning controls on fast-food outlets, clearer labelling, restrictions on advertising to children and incentives to bring healthier foods back to city centres.

Some councils have introduced new bans on takeaways near schools but critics say national leadership is needed. Parents have also raised concerns about the impact on children, with takeaway clusters near schools accused of encouraging unhealthy habits from an early age.

The report found some bright spots. Oxford Street in London was rated the “healthiest” high street in the study; less than one in five food outlets were classified as unhealthy; This is a result that researchers attribute to a broader mix of retail, restaurant and tourist-focused businesses.

But experts warn that even so-called “healthy” high streets are still surrounded by fast food and sugary snacks.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said:

“This government is taking unprecedented action to tackle the obesity crisis as part of our 10 Year Health Plan, which shifts the focus of care from disease to prevention.

“As part of our mission to raise the healthiest generation of children ever, we have given local authorities stronger and clearer powers to prevent new fast food outlets from opening near schools.

“We are also expanding the soft drinks industry levy to cover more products including sweetened milk-based drinks, restricting junk food advertising on TV and online, limiting bulk price promotions on less healthy foods and introducing mandatory reporting and targets on healthy food sales.

“A healthier nation will mean less pressure on the NHS, a healthier economy and a happier society.”