Obesity levels amongst pets are approaching the same problematic proportions as for people in the UK according new research from Sainsbury’s Finance. The research(1) conducted amongst vets has found that almost four in ten animals seen by vets are overweight, whereas Government studies suggest that more than half of all British adults are overweight (2).

The study found that almost one in ten (9.4%) pets is severely overweight and a further three in ten (Accor29.8%) are heavier than what is recommended.

Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance claims figures(3) suggest that approximately one in seven claims could be attributable to illnesses and conditions that can result from a pet being overweight. This includes conditions such as animal diabetes, heart diseases and bone and ligament problems.
Lucy Hunter, Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance Manager said: “The saddest thing about this research is the fact that the pets are not to blame. As is the case with humans, a lack of exercise and a poor diet, or overeating, is causing our pets’ weight to balloon. Unfortunately a lot of animals will eat everything that is put in front of them so the onus is on the owner to monitor and restrict the amount of food that their pet is consuming.”
The research from Sainsbury’s Finance also revealed that an estimated 13 per cent of pets that are seen by vets are underweight. This can seriously compromise an animal’s long-term health and its quality of life.
Lucy Hunter continued: “Owners that do not look after their pets through poor diets and a lack of exercise increase the chances of their animals suffering serious health problems, which can run into thousands of pounds in veterinary bills.”

Good quality pet insurance does not need to be expensive, good cover at a competitive price can be found by shopping around. Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance is designed to offer some of the widest range of benefits available at a competitive price. For further information call 0800 056 5758, log on to www.sainsburysfinance.co.uk or pick up a leaflet in a Sainsbury’s supermarket.