The cost-of-living crisis is feeding the paradox of obesity and food insecurities in the UK

The cost-of-living crisis, with increasing food and energy costs,1 will impact the obesity epidemic in the UK, producing more diet and health inequalities for those living with obesity. In September 2022, 40% of British consumers reported that they were worried about being able to afford to purchase food in the next month.2 In high-income countries, diet quality and health status are strongly correlated with socioeconomic status.3 In Scotland, obesity rates are 36% in areas in the highest quintile of deprivation (based on the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation) and 26% in areas in the lowest social deprivation quintile.4 With slight regional variations, around 2/3 of adults in the UK are living with overweight or obesity.