Introduction

Obesity is an increasing problem in the UK. Currently two thirds of British adults are overweight or obese and is predicted to reach 70% by 2034 if current trends continue. Obesity is defined as a Body Mass Index over 30. Male obesity in the UK has increased from 13.2% in 1993 to 26.9% in 2015 while obesity amongst women has increased from 16.4% to 26.8% over the same period (1). Obesity amongst children is also a problem, increasing from 10.9% in 1995 to 15% in 2005 amongst boys aged 2-15. Amongst girls of the same age group obesity has increased from 12.0% to 13% (1). The prevalence of childhood obesity in England increased between 1995 and 2005, but has since remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 14 and 17% since 2008. 

Obesity is huge health burden and is associated with many health conditions. These include diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea and shortness of breath. In 2002, the direct cost of treating obesity was between 45.8 and £49.0 million pounds and the indirect cost (treating consequences) was around 1 billion pounds (1). The direct cost to the NHS in 2014-2015 was estimated at £6.1 billion per year. The costs attributable to overweight and obesity are projected to reach £9.7 billion by 2050 (1). 

Who is at risk of obesity?

Everyone is at risk of obesity if they consume an unhealthy diet or have an unhealthy lifestyle. However, those most at risk include ex-smokers, people of black African descent, inactive individuals and children (or adults) who also have a high intake of sugared-soft drinks (1). 

How does salt contribute?

Whilst salt is not a direct cause of obesity it is a major influencing factor through its effect on soft drink consumption.  Salt makes you thirsty and increases the amount of fluid you drink. 31% of the fluid drunk by 4-18 year olds is sugary soft drinks(2) which have been shown to be related to childhood obesity.(3,4)

Current Salt Intake and Dietary Advice

Almost everyone in the UK (and the rest of the Western world) eats too much salt. The daily recommended amount is no more than 6 grams a day; the current average salt intake is 8.1g a day although many people are eating more than this.

People with or considered at risk of obesity should ensure that they keep their salt intake below the recommended maximum of 6g. This can be achieved by simple changes, such as consuming less processed foods and checking product labels before purchase. To further reduce the risk of obesity advise to consume at least 5 portions of fruit/vegetables per day, increase the amount of exercise you do (at least 30 minutes, 5 times a week) and reduce the amount of saturated fat, fat, sugar and calories eaten. 

References

1. Public Health England, 2017.  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-matters-obesity-and-the-food-environment/health-matters-obesity-and-the-food-environment--2#scale-of-the-obesity-problem
2. He FJ et al. Salt Intake Is Related to Soft Drink Consumption in Children and Adolescents: A Link to Obesity?  Hypertension. 2008; 51, 629-634
3. Ludwig DS et al. Relation Between Consumption of Sugar-sweetened Drinks and Childhood Obesity: a prospective, observational analysis. Lancet. 2001; 357, 505-508,
4. James J et al.  Preventing Childhood Obesity by Reducing Consumption of Carbonated Drinks: Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial. British Medical Journal. 2004; 328,1237