Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stirred controversy by linking Britain’s obesity crisis to the Church of England, claiming it has failed to provide the spiritual guidance needed to combat overindulgence.
Johnson argued that a growing “spiritual void” in society is driving people to seek comfort in food rather than fulfilling their deeper emotional and spiritual needs.
“The living bread is being provided by Tesco,” he quipped, suggesting that physical sustenance has replaced the role of spiritual nourishment for many in modern Britain.
He also criticized the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and other church leaders, accusing them of prioritizing issues such as slavery reparations over addressing people’s spiritual well-being. “Why aren’t people going to church? Because it’s not addressing their spiritual needs,” Johnson said. “There’s something missing in people’s lives, and they’re filling that gap with food.”
These remarks were part of a broader discussion on obesity, featured in a report led by Henry Dimbleby, author of the National Food Strategy, and public health expert Dolly van Tulleken. The report highlighted the urgent need for more effective policies to tackle the rising rates of obesity in the UK, calling for greater political and societal action.
Johnson reflected on societal changes contributing to the problem, including the decline of outdoor play for children due to modern safety concerns and the pervasive influence of technology fostering sedentary lifestyles.
He drew on personal experiences with obesity and health challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, recalling how his own severe bout with the virus deepened his awareness of the link between high obesity rates and the pandemic’s impact.
“Religious leaders should focus less on political activism and more on addressing the spiritual gaps driving unhealthy behaviors,” Johnson concluded.
The discussion has reignited debates on the role of faith institutions in addressing societal issues and whether they can—or should—play a part in tackling modern health challenges like obesity.
