Obesity reaches record levels in Scotland; Almost a third of adults were classified as overweight and met the criteria.

The 2023 Scottish Health Survey found 32 per cent of adults are living with obesity; this figure was higher than 24 percent in 2003, when comparable figures were first produced.

Overall, two-thirds of adults are overweight, and among those considered obese, the rate has been “relatively stable” since 2008.

About two thirds Scots (64 percent) were considered to have a body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference that poses a risk for their health.

obesity It is linked to a number of health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, asthma and high cholesterol.

‘Dangerous’

Research has shown that more than 20% of adult cancer cases in the UK are linked to excess weight; This makes obesity possibly the second largest preventable cause of cancer.

The report also found further declines in the consumption of “dangerous” or “harmful” drinks, with levels falling from 34 per cent in 2003 to 20 per cent in 2023.

The proportion of men drinking at harmful levels (28 per cent) was twice as high as that of women (14 per cent), although a decline was noted in both genders.

But the study found that 14 percent of adults reported experiencing food insecurity; This is an increase from nine per cent in 2021 and the highest level since comparable figures began being produced in 2017.

feeling lonely

The report states that the popularity of electronic cigarettes and e-cigarettes continues to grow, with 22 per cent of Scots aged 16 to 24 using them. Among all adults, this rate increased from 10 percent to 12 percent.

One in ten adults reported feeling lonely “mostly” or “always”; Adults aged 16 to 24 (19%) and those living in the poorest areas (14%) are among those most likely to report feeling this way. last week.

Anyone with a BMI over 30 is considered obese. BMI is a measure of whether people are at a healthy weight for their height.

‘Complex public health issue’

Jenni Minto, SNP The Minister for Public Health said: “This report underlines that obesity remains a significant and complex public health problem.

“This financial year we have provided £8.25 million of core funding to health boards to deliver weight management services in line with national standards and our framework for preventing type two diabetes.”

But Scottish Labour’s health spokeswoman, Dame Jackie Baillie, said: “With Scots living with record rates of obesity, we cannot afford a ‘business as usual’ approach to public health.

“This SNP government must take a targeted and proactive approach to reach everyone, from those in deprived areas to young people who disproportionately struggle with loneliness and mental health issues, to women suffering from long-term conditions.”