Obesity UK welcomes several of the key commitments announced today by the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, in the 2025 Autumn Budget—including £300 million for NHS technology and the rollout of 250 new. The Health Centers. These measures have the potential to enhance access to healthcare, strengthen community-based support, and reduce inequalities experienced by many of the 14 million adults and increasing number of children living with obesity across the UK.
Supporting Better Access to Care
The introduction of neighborhood health centers could bring services closer to where people live. For those living with obesity, early access to support is critical. Obesity UK urges that these new community hubs:
- Embed integrated weight-management pathways
- Provide access to Tier 2, 3 and 4 services
- Offer both clinical and psychological support
- Ensure equity of access regardless of postcode
Cost-of-Living Measures
The government’s commitment to ease financial pressure through measures such as the £150 reduction in energy bills, freezing prescription charges, and supporting low-income families is welcome. Economic stability is closely linked with health outcomes, and many people living with obesity are disproportionately affected by rising living costs.
Soft Drinks Industry Levy Extension
Obesity UK supports the expansion of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy as an important step towards improving population health. Fiscal measures can reduce sugar consumption and encourage industry reformulation — both of which have positive long-term effects.
Putting Lived Experience at the Centre
Alison Forster, Operations Manager at Obesity UK, said:
“The Autumn Budget presents opportunities to strengthen services and reduce inequalities. However, the real measure of success will be whether these commitments result in accessible, compassionate, and evidence-based support for the millions living with obesity. Lived experience must shape the design and delivery of new services.”
Our Position
Obesity UK welcomes the direction of travel set out in the Budget but stresses the importance of:
- Sustained investment in obesity services
- Whole-systems approaches that address the environments driving obesity
- Continued engagement with patient organisations
- Ensuring the voices of people living with obesity guide implementation
We stand ready to work with government, DHSC, NHS England and all partners to ensure these measures truly improve health outcomes for those we support.