It has been known for some time that obesity prevalence in England is associated with measures of socioeconomic position. Higher levels of obesity are found among more deprived groups.

This is a complex issue: many interrelated factors affect obesity.

This briefing paper describes social and economic inequalities associated with 2 of the main determinants of obesity – diet and physical activity – and provides possible explanations for these inequalities.

View: Social and economic inequalities in diet and physical activity from the Obesity Knowledge and Intelligence team.