New government statistics have revealed a significant surge in the number of people receiving disability benefits for obesity, with claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) rising sharply over the past six years.
Sharp Rise in PIP and ESA Claims
According to the latest Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures, more than 4,400 individuals are now receiving PIP specifically for obesity. The total number of people receiving welfare payments due to obesity-related conditions stands at 5,213.
The data shows a striking increase of 59 per cent in PIP claimants for obesity since January 2019. The number has risen from 2,780 at the start of 2019 to 4,413 by July 2025. This surge has seen the annual cost to taxpayers for these claims reach £144 million, representing a 60 per cent increase in expenditure since 2019.
In addition to PIP, a further 800 people receive Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) primarily for obesity, highlighting the condition's impact on workforce participation.
Regional Hotspots and Expert Insight
The distribution of claimants is not even across the country. The North West of England has the highest number of obesity-related PIP claimants, with 644 cases recorded as of July 2025.
London follows closely behind with 606 claimants. The capital has seen an especially dramatic rise, with an 85 per cent increase from 326 cases in 2019. The West Midlands ranks third, with 528 recipients of the benefit.
Commenting on the link between health and employment, Dr Crystal Wyllie from the online healthcare provider ZAVA referenced a recent Gallup poll. "The poll demonstrated that the longer an individual is unemployed, the higher the rates of obesity, reaching up to 32.7 per cent after one year of unemployment," she said.
Political Context and Welfare Reform
The release of these figures comes amid ongoing political debate about the future of the welfare system. Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer recently outlined his vision for further welfare reform and closer European ties.
In a speech, Starmer emphasised a long-term approach, stating: "By delivering a big, bold long-term plan, not a set of quick fixes, we will renew Britain. We must become again a serious people, with a serious government, capable together of doing difficult things to regain control of our future."
In practical terms, the Labour leader has tasked former health secretary Alan Milburn with examining the role of mental health and disability in youth unemployment. Simultaneously, the shadow welfare minister, Stephen Timms, is continuing a broader review of the entire system of disability payments.
This confluence of rising claim numbers, significant public expenditure, and political scrutiny signals that disability benefits and their eligibility criteria are set to remain a key topic in the national conversation about health, work, and welfare support.
