How is the cost-of-living crisis affecting food and health bills?

The cost-of-living crisis is having a major impact on people’s spending habits, with 23% of average households finding it difficult to pay their monthly bills (Office of National Statistics). With lower wages and higher inflation, the United Kingdom is suffering. This is a knock-on-effect of numerous factors going on in the world around us.

What impact in this having on food bills?

Russia’s invasion in Ukraine has caused a major shock to the market, causing surges in food prices for consumers across the United Kingdom (House of Commons Library). This is because the rate of production has decreased with a higher demand from countries across the globe resulting in more costs for everyone involved, including you.

The ongoing depreciation of the pound alongside the impact of Brexit has also caused inflation to increase a considerate amount this year, majorly impacting the costs of everyday bills for the average consumer in day-to-day life.

All these factors have magnified the cost-of-living crisis, making it difficult for everyone to sustain their previous life and spending habits. As of last month, inflation hit 10.1% with the “biggest driver of prices rises being food and drink” (Sky News) more specifically on pasta, eggs, butter and bacon, overall accounting for 44% of inflation. This is a immense contribution to the overview of inflation. So, those extra snacks and meals we normally like to add into the shopping cart when walking round the supermarket are having the biggest impact on our bills compared to any other buying habits.  

Furthermore, this is especially causing issues to those who are overweight and obese. This is because the average monthly food bills are considerately higher than a member in society who is a ‘healthier weight’. Of course, with less spent on the weekly food bills means more money saved from a ‘healthy’ consumer. However, when considering the current state with the effect this is having on the food and drink sector and the limited funds people within the United Kingdom currently have, the cost living crisis impact is much more significant.

There is a chance for life to go back to how it is previously, however statistics show there is no possibility for the depreciation of the pound to decrease at a slower rate until the economic state has improved. For this reason, it’s likely that prices will continue to increase as we continue to adjust to Brexit, The war in Ukraine, the rebate tax rate and more.

Therefore, meaning it may be time to investigate how you can live a healthier lifestyle.

So why may you consider Weight Loss Surgery specifically?

With the prices increasing predominantly for food bills, it is possible that Bariatric Patients are financially benefitting from having Weight Loss Surgery compared to living their current lifestyle as well as living a better-quality life. With prices at Healthier Weight starting from as low as £200 a month which may be lower than your monthly food bill. This will directly benefit all our potential patients who are struggling with obesity, so it’s possible that with Weight Loss Surgery, you can improve your quality of life and your finances!

How may it impact your medications?

In addition to this, Weight Loss Surgery has numerous benefits including a better quality of life. This is due to reduced chances of illnesses such as Type 2 Diabetes and high Blood Pressure and the ability to improve your mental health with the chance to do a lot more things in your everyday life. Finally, after Weight Loss Surgery it’s likely your quantity of medication will reduce.

This is finally an important factor to consider as it is reported that Britain’s medicine sector is “facing unprecedented challenges” (Politico) as costs and inflation threaten the supply of drugs. With a reported increase of 15% in payments compared to last year’s 5.1%. Therefore, it is something to consider when deciding if weight loss surgery is for you.