Scotland’s Health Check Up: Obesity on the Rise as Drinking Declines
Scotland’s latest health survey highlights a worrying trend: obesity and food insecurity are on the rise, with record numbers of Scots affected. Almost a third of adults in Scotland now live with obesity, up from 24% two decades ago, while two-thirds face health risks from their BMI and waist circumference combined. These numbers are concerning because obesity links to a slew of health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and even certain types of cancer.
Interestingly, the report reveals a significant increase in food insecurity across the country. Over 14% of Scots now worry about running out of food, a steep rise from 9% just two years ago. Younger people, in particular, are feeling the pinch, with 20% of those aged 16-44 reporting food concerns, while only 5% of those over 65 experience the same. Economic pressures seem to be hitting younger generations hard, causing health officials to take a closer look at the relationship between poverty, eating habits, and long-term health.
The survey also shows that while Scots have improved in some areas, they’ve slid back in others. For example, fewer people are drinking at harmful levels than in the past—only 20% of Scots were recorded as heavy drinkers in 2023, down significantly from 34% in 2003. This decline marks a positive trend and reflects successful public health campaigns around alcohol consumption. However, there’s been a noticeable uptick in e-cigarette and vape use, especially among young adults. This year, 12% of Scots reported using e-cigarettes, up from 10% last year, with usage rates spiking to nearly a quarter among those aged 16 to 24. Vaping has replaced smoking for some, but the long-term health effects of this trend are still uncertain, raising concerns about what the future might hold for Scotland’s younger generation.
Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Gregor Smith, summed it up well: the report paints a “crucial picture” of health and wellbeing in Scotland over the past two decades. He acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by rising obesity rates, food insecurity, and increased vaping. Public Health Minister Jenni Minto echoed these concerns, noting the “significant and complex” challenge that obesity presents. In response, the Scottish Government has allocated £8.25 million this year to health boards for weight management services, with additional funding targeting obesity and type 2 diabetes prevention. But there’s a call for Westminster to step up too, with Scottish officials urging the UK Government to introduce an “essentials guarantee,” a proposal backed by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation that could help lift many Scots out of poverty.
One alarming insight from the report is the persistence of long-term health conditions, which affect two in five adults across the country. These conditions range from respiratory and cardiovascular problems to mobility issues. The report indicates that women are particularly affected, with nearly 43% experiencing a limiting, long-term condition, compared to 32% of men. The prevalence of these conditions reflects both Scotland’s ageing population and the need for sustained support for those living with chronic health issues.
Opposition parties argue that the Scottish Government must step up its efforts to address these health crises. Labour health spokesperson Dame Jackie Baillie has been vocal about the need for a “targeted and proactive approach” to public health. She called for a specific focus on people in deprived areas, young people grappling with loneliness and mental health challenges, and women who suffer from long-term health conditions.
Dame Jackie also expressed concern about the rise in e-cigarette use among younger Scots, warning that “the surge in younger Scots using e-cigarettes should ring alarm bells.” Labour has proposed a ban on single-use vapes, as well as stronger regulation of marketing practices that target children, arguing that such moves are essential to protect young people from the potential risks of vaping. She also pointed out the need to ensure that healthy eating remains affordable, especially as more Scots face food insecurity.
Although the survey contained some silver linings, like the drop in harmful drinking levels, it underscores the importance of comprehensive, well-funded public health initiatives. For example, while the proportion of people smoking cigarettes has remained steady at 15%, the increased reliance on e-cigarettes and vapes as an alternative raises its own set of concerns.
Scotland’s latest health survey overall offers a mixed bag of insights. While progress has been made in reducing alcohol abuse, obesity and food insecurity are reaching new highs, and the shift from smoking to vaping among young adults poses fresh challenges. As Professor Smith pointed out, these trends paint a “crucial picture” of the state of public health in Scotland, reflecting decades of economic and social shifts. With Scotland’s health and wellbeing on the line, the government’s ability to address these complex issues will be crucial to ensuring a healthier future for all Scots.
