The most recent Health Survey from the NHS has been published today. The 2015 Health Survey for England gathered information from adults and children to monitor trends in the nation's health.
The survey showed that the prevalence of both diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes rose with BMI, from 3% of normal weight adults, to 15% of obese adults. We know that Type 1 diabetes is not linked to obesity so the figures show that your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes if you are obese is five times higher than if you are a normal weight.
This same pattern was also shown when people were measured round their waist. Prevalence of diabetes among adults with ‘desirable’ – measured as less than 80 cm for women and less than 94 cm for men - and very high waist circumference was 2% and 11% respectively.
"Being overweight also puts you at higher risk"
Dan Howarth, Head of Care for Diabetes UK said: “The results of this survey clearly show us that being obese carries with it an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Although it was not measured in the survey we know that being overweight also puts you at a higher risk of developing this condition.
“We need people to recognise that being overweight or obese can have serious consequences for your health. Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications and we want people to ask for help to make the necessary changes to their lifestyle. People need to be encouraged and supported to eat more healthily and take more exercise.”
