Newly released figures show the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is providing financial support through two key benefits to thousands of people whose primary disabling condition is obesity.
Benefit Claims and National Statistics
Data obtained through a Freedom of Information request reveals that 4,413 individuals are currently receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for obesity as their main condition. A further 800 people are claiming Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) on the same grounds.
This comes against a stark national backdrop. In 2022, approximately 29% of UK adults were living with obesity, equating to around 18.7 million people. The condition also affects an estimated one in eight children aged between two and ten years old.
Linking Unemployment and Health
Medical experts are highlighting a concerning connection between long-term unemployment and rising obesity rates. Dr Crystal Wyllie, a doctor at the online healthcare provider ZAVA, which submitted the FOI request, commented on the trend.
"Obesity is an epidemic across the world, but within the UK, we can see a natural link to unemployment," Dr Wyllie stated. She pointed to a recent Gallup poll indicating that obesity rates can reach 32.7% after one year of unemployment.
"Tackling obesity from the top down is key here with changes to policies, healthcare initiatives, and food regulation across the nation," she added.
Policy Changes and Long-Term Health Goals
Dr Wyllie welcomed recent government action, such as the restrictions on multibuy deals for unhealthy foods that began on 1st October 2025. These measures are projected to deliver substantial public health benefits.
Over the next 25 years, the policy is expected to generate health benefits worth £2 billion and save the NHS around £180 million.
The NHS underscores the severe impact of obesity, noting its association with reduced life expectancy. It is a significant risk factor for a range of chronic diseases including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Certain cancers
- Liver and respiratory disease
- Mental health conditions
The DWP data underscores the complex role obesity can play in limiting daily activities and the ability to work, leading individuals to seek support through the welfare system.
