Unhealthy diets worsen health crisis in Northern England

Research shows unhealthy diets are a key factor in health crises in Northern England.

Urgent need for nutrition improvement in the North

Research from the Northern Health Science Alliance's Nutrition North network reveals that unhealthy diets are causing a public health crisis in northern England. Residents in the North East, North West, and Yorkshire have higher rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity due to poor eating habits. The area has 26 percent more fast food outlets than the UK average and consumes significantly lower amounts of essential nutrients like calcium and fiber. The mortality rates for preventable diseases in these regions are alarmingly high, raising national health concerns that necessitate immediate action.

The findings underscore a pressing need to address food insecurity and dietary habits in the North. Deprivation is a significant factor that contributes to health inequalities, creating a cycle of poor health outcomes and financial burden on healthcare services. With the NHS spending over £11 billion annually on obesity-related treatments, the crisis transcends individual health, impacting the economy and society as a whole. Urgent action is essential to improve accessibility to healthy foods, particularly in regions most affected by deprivation, to foster future well-being and equality.

Highlights

Addressing food distribution and education could pave the way for healthier communities in the North.