Overweight Brits are twice as likely to be killed by coronavirus, NHS boss warns

BRITAIN needs to slim down with fatties twice as likely to be killed by Covid, the head of the NHS has warned. The UK has so far recorded the third highest number of deaths during the pandemic – with the official toll now approaching 45,000. Sir Simon Stevens said high levels of obesity may have […]

BRITAIN needs to slim down with fatties twice as likely to be killed by Covid, the head of the NHS has warned.

The UK has so far recorded the third highest number of deaths during the pandemic – with the official toll now approaching 45,000.

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Sir Simon Stevens said high levels of obesity may have fuelled Brit fatalities.

The UK is the second fattest nation in Europe, after Malta.

More than a quarter of Brits are obese – with a body mass index over 30. It compares to just one in 35 in the 70s.

Sir Simon, chief executive of NHS England, said levels of care given by UK hospitals were second to none.

But warned underlying conditions, such as excess weight, may explain why Britain has fared worse than other nations during the pandemic.

Speaking on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show, Sir Simon said: “We know, for example that obesity doubles your chance of dying from coronavirus. And unfortunately, we are all carrying too many pounds as a country.

“So there is a strong case for using the experience of coronavirus to tackle some of these long standing broader health problems, and get serious about prevention, including obesity.”

Boris Johnson is considering plans to slim down the nation after his own brush with death from Covid.

Ideas include widespread prescribing of Weight Watchers, a ban on pre-9pm junk food ads and a BOGOF deal blitz.

Being too heavy increases the chances of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and liver disease, and several cancers.

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