Obese Britons live on breadline

Published on Sunday 1 November 2009 21:13

VICTIMS of obesity are suffering from financial as well as health problems.

According to research released today to mark the first day of National Obesity Week, overweight Britons are struggling to earn above the national average income.

Just half of the obese people in Britain (46 per cent ) bring in a personal income of more than 20,000, with the majority living on between 10,000 and 15,000 each year.

This is half the amount of normal and overweight people, for whom the most common income is 20-30,000 annually.

Almost a quarter of Britons are classified as clinically obese, but a lower earning power isn't the only difficulty they face. Apart from their excessive weight, there are side effects such as back pain, arthritis and diabetes, and even mental illnesses like depression and social stigmatisation.

These health issues mean that everyday life becomes more difficult than it should be, and related challenges have been known to affect key relationships.

The research by the Hospital Group shows almost one in four obese Brits admit their children or family had hinted at embarrassment or concern about their weight (22 per cent ).

Nearly half (45 per cent ) say their weight has prevented them playing with their children.

And when it comes to lifestyle, almost two in five say their ability to do leisure activities is hugely affected by their weight, while about a quarter said they had seen a negative effect on their sex life.