Big rise in the number of takeaways in last 10 years

THE number of takeaways in Leicestershire has risen sharply in the last decade, as cases of obesity soar.

High streets across the area now have more fast food restaurants than ever before, with health experts warning this is having a significant impact on obesity - particularly during the pandemic.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics have revealed that there were around 660 takeaways and mobile food stands operating in Leicestershire as of March 2020.

That’s up slightly from 665 in the same month of 2019, and is an increase of 61% from the 410 takeaways that were open in the area in 2010 - putting the figure at a record high.

Within that, Oadby and Wigston has seen the largest increase in takeaways over the past 10 years, with the number doubling from 15 to 30.

However, Leicester continues to have more takeaways per head than anywhere else in Leicestershire, with 305 now operating in the city - 86 for every 100,000 residents.

That’s much higher than the national average of 61 takeaways for every 100,000 people living in the UK.

Professor Graham MacGregor, chair of Action on Sugar and Action on Salt, said: “It’s deeply concerning that the number of takeaway outlets has continued to rise to a record high.

“We know that people are relying on them even more, especially during this lockdown, when staying home and ordering highly processed food that is high in fat, salt and sugar and with little or no vegetables.

“Our food environment, particularly now, is having a huge impact on the rise in obesity whereby twothirds of adults in England are overweight or living with obesity.

“This makes us more susceptible to Covid-19 and a much greater immediate risk of dying as well as all the longer term risks associated with obesity.

“Now is the time for the Government to ensure these takeaway outlets offer much more healthier options with far less fat, sugar and salt on their menus.

“All with more reasonably sized portion sizes and better nutrition labelling so we can make informed choices. This will play a pivotal role in rebuilding the nation’s health and increasing our resistance to Covid19.”

The figures come against a backdrop of a surge in obesity-related health problems in Leicestershire.

In 2018/19 - the latest figures available - there were 18,145 obesityhospital admissions across the area.

That’s up by 32% in a single year from 13,745 hospital admissions in 2017/18, and more than six times the 3,015 seen in 2013/14 - the first year that local figures were published.

Tam Fry, spokesperson for the National Obesity Forum, said: “The association between fast food and obesity is well known and Covid-19 will certainly confirm that link.

“Unfortunately we may never know the true increase in obesity for 2020/21: the yearly census for adult weight may well be interrupted and the programme assessing child obesity has already been put on hold for the duration of the pandemic.

“There is little doubt that the number of takeaways will increase this year as restaurants have been forced to turn themselves into fast food outlets.

“Factor in, too, the acknowledged decrease in people exercising and you have a recipe for a continued public health crisis.”

Nationally, there are now 40,930 takeaways across the UK - an increase of almost 40% compared to 2010, when there were 29,330, and the highest number on record.

Meanwhile, obesity has steadily rising in England.

There were 875,663 obesityrelated hospital admissions across the country in 2018/19 - more than double the 365,577 seen in 2013/14. been