Why was the Pet Obesity Task Force set up?

Obesity can be defined as “an excess of body fat sufficient to result in impairment of health or body function”^1-2. In people, this is generally recognised as 20-25% above ideal body weight ¹.  In pet animals, the degree of obesity that impairs health, welfare and quality of life has not been well defined, but is likely to be similar to that observed in people.

Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder that occurs in pet animals of developed nations^2-3.  Although there is no systematic, long term measurement or reporting of the level of obesity in any pet species in the UK (or elsewhere in the world), based on studies that have been carried out, currently around 40% of the pet dog population in the UK is thought to be overweight⁴. This equates to approximately three million dogs. Obesity in cats is also a major concern with some studies estimating that between 25 and 40% of pet cats in the UK are either over-weight or obese^5-6.  Obesity is also considered a serious problem in other species.  For example, a recent study of riding horses in Scotland identified 45% as obese⁷.

Recent studies have linked obesity to exacerbation of orthopaedic problems, respiratory problems, and endocrine disorders in both dogs and cats^8-13. Obesity increases the risk for surgical and anaesthetic complications and can complicate treatment of all serious illnesses. In cats, obesity dramatically increases the risk of diabetes mellitus, urethral obstruction, and early death^8,10.

In the UK, many animal welfare organisations, veterinary bodies and individual experts see pet obesity as an extremely serious welfare issue because of its adverse impact on health, welfare and quality of life.  It is avoidable and preventable.

However, despite massive media coverage and a huge investment of time, effort and resources over the last 20 years by many stakeholders (including the pet care and pet health industries, animal welfare organisations and pet owners) the level of obesity in pet animals in the UK does not appear to be under control. In fact, the problem seems to be getting significantly worse. 

The big question is why.  The Pet Obesity Task Force was set up to find out.

1. National Institutes of Health. Health Implications of obesity: National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference Statement. Ann Intern Med 1985;103:1073-7.
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