The Obesity Epidemic in the UK – A Hormonal Perspective on a Growing Crisis

Obesity is no longer just a lifestyle issue—it’s a national health crisis. According to the UK Parliament's latest Research Briefing (SN03336), published on 10 February 2025, the data paints a troubling picture of the UK's weight problem. Not only does the epidemic continue to grow, but its impact stretches across all age groups, socioeconomic levels, and ethnic backgrounds.

Key Findings from the Parliamentary Briefing

• Adult Obesity in England: As of 2022, 28% of adults in England were classified as obese, and 36% as overweight, totaling 64% of the adult population being overweight or obese. Men had a higher prevalence than women, with 67% of men compared to 61% of women being overweight or obese.
• Child Obesity in England: In 2022/23, 17% of children in Reception (aged 4–5) and 23% in Year 6 (aged 10–11) were classified as obese. Obesity rates were higher among children from more deprived backgrounds.
• Regional Variations: Obesity rates varied across different regions of England, with some areas reporting higher prevalence than others.
• Ethnic Disparities: Obesity prevalence also varied by ethnicity, with certain ethnic groups experiencing higher rates of obesity compared to others.
• Bariatric Surgery: The briefing discusses the role of bariatric surgery in managing obesity, including its effectiveness and accessibility.
• International Comparisons: The UK’s obesity rates are compared with those of other countries, highlighting the global nature of the obesity epidemic.

This briefing underscores the significant public health challenge posed by obesity in the UK and the need for targeted interventions to address this issue.

Why Hormones Matter in Obesity

The UK’s obesity rates are not just the result of poor choices—they’re also influenced by underlying hormonal imbalances. Weight gain isn’t only about calories in versus calories out. Hormones control how we store fat, how we burn it, and how hungry we feel. When they’re out of balance, even the most disciplined efforts can be sabotaged.

This is where our Weight Management Profile steps in. This advanced hormone screening tool helps uncover hidden biochemical factors that contribute to stubborn weight gain and metabolic dysfunction.

What the Weight Management Profile Measures

1. Estradiol & Progesterone:
   Imbalances in estrogen and progesterone can lead to weight gain in the hips and thighs (especially in women) and water retention. Men with low testosterone and higher estrogen levels often experience fat accumulation in breast and hip areas.
2. Testosterone & DHEA-S:
   These androgens support lean muscle mass and metabolic rate. Lower levels contribute to fat gain, especially around the abdomen, and reduced exercise tolerance. In women, elevated levels (as seen in PCOS) can worsen insulin resistance and central obesity.
3. Cortisol:
   Chronic stress raises cortisol, encouraging fat storage—particularly visceral fat, the dangerous kind linked to diabetes and heart disease. Cortisol also disrupts sleep and appetite regulation.
4. TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone):
   Even “normal-high” levels can indicate a slow thyroid, reducing metabolism and promoting fat gain.
5. Vitamin D:
   Often deficient in those with obesity, low vitamin D levels are linked with insulin resistance and fat accumulation.
6. Fasting Insulin & HbA1c:
   Elevated insulin signals insulin resistance—a key driver of weight gain and metabolic syndrome. High HbA1c levels signal poor blood sugar control and increased diabetes risk.

Click the link to see Weight Management Profile

Additional Testing Options

Our Laboratory offers expanded testing options to provide a more comprehensive assessment:

• Weight Management + Thyroid: Adds Free T3, Free T4, and TPO antibodies to evaluate thyroid function.
• Weight Management + Cardio: Includes cardiovascular risk markers such as hsCRP, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, and HDL cholesterol.
• Weight Management + Thyroid + Cardio: Combines both thyroid and cardiovascular assessments for a holistic view.

Who Should Get Tested?

• This profile is ideal for:
• Menopausal women and andropausal men with unexplained weight gain
• Individuals with abdominal fat, high BMI, and low muscle mass
• People experiencing chronic stress, food cravings, or thyroid symptoms

By targeting the root hormonal causes, healthcare providers can tailor treatment plans that go beyond diet and exercise alone.

Why Saliva & Blood Spot Testing Works

• Simple at-home collection (no need for blood draws)
• Samples are stable at room temperature
• Easy to ship and clinically reliable

A Better Way Forward

• The UK faces an uphill battle against obesity, but the answer may lie in a more personalized, science-based approach. By integrating hormonal testing into weight management plans, we can shift from reactive treatment to proactive prevention—supporting patients before obesity evolves into more serious conditions like type 2 diabetes or heart disease.
• The data is clear: obesity is a public health emergency. But with better insight into the hormonal mechanics behind weight gain, we can finally start addressing this epidemic at its source—not just its symptoms.