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UK heads obesity league in Western Europe

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UK heads obesity league in Western Europe

Britain is the most overweight nation in Western Europe, with rates rising faster than any other developed nation, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Indeed, prevalence of obesity in the UK is 27% (based on measured data), the sixth highest in OECD countries (and the highest in Western Europe). A further 36% of the population are overweight but not obese. Further, obesity has risen sharply since 1990, when it affected only 14% of adults.

However, the OECD Health at a Glance report said the overall health and life expectancy of Britons remained average.

The UK's comparatively high adolescent drunkenness rate is also a key concern. Among 15-year olds, 30.5% have been drunk at least twice in their life, compared to an OECD average of 22%. 

You can access the full report here.

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