Obesity cases rising fastest in young adults

Lead researcher Robert Fletcher said the study did not explore the reasons behind the increase, but felt there were three key factors.

Adults in their 20s and 30s are people who grew up during a time when the unhealthy food market was booming, he said.

“They were surrounded by unhealthy food during their formative years. Takeaways and fast food outlets proliferated on our high streets, and unhealthy food was heavily advertised as these age groups grew up.”

He also said the cost of living crisis in the wake of the pandemic will have a greater impact on younger age groups.

“The stress of looking after children while working from home and then being able to afford healthy food as inflation increases has made healthy lifestyles even more difficult,” she added.

Sarah Perman of the Association of Public Health Executives agrees. He said unhealthy options now dominate “our supermarkets, corner shops and fast food outlets.”

“Since infancy, children and young people are bombarded with advertising that encourages unhealthy eating.

“It is also much cheaper and easier for individuals to consume foods and beverages high in fat, sugar and salt compared to healthy alternatives.”

Research by the Food Foundation found that healthy foods cost twice as much per calorie as unhealthy foods.

Katharine Jenner, of the Obesity Health Alliance, said the environment people in their 20s and 30s grow up with has a big impact on “habit-forming behaviours”.

He said the pandemic had disrupted physical activity and other habits at a “critical moment”, while digital was also likely to play a role in younger age groups being more likely to use food apps and spend time on social media.