The former Prime Minister has attributed Britain’s obesity crisis to the Church of England, accusing it of failing to provide the spiritual guidance people need to avoid overindulgence.

Boris Johnson argued that a “spiritual void” in society is driving people to “gorge themselves” on food, with churches failing to meet their congregations’ deeper needs.

“The living bread is being provided by Tesco,” Johnson said, suggesting that people are turning to physical sustenance rather than spiritual nourishment.

He also criticised the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and other religious leaders for focusing on issues like slavery reparations instead of addressing people’s spiritual struggles.

“Why aren’t people going to church? Because it’s not addressing their spiritual needs," Johnson remarked: "There’s something missing in people’s lives, and they’re filling that gap with food.”

Johnson’s comments came as part of a wider discussion for a report on obesity led by Henry Dimbleby, author of the National Food Strategy, and public health expert Dolly Van Tulleken.

The report highlighted the rising rates of obesity and the lack of effective policies to combat it, calling on political leaders to take stronger action.

Johnson reflected on societal changes over the years, highlighting the decline in outdoor play for children and blaming modern fears of safety risks, such as the threat of “paedophiles everywhere".

He added that technology has also contributed to more sedentary lifestyles for both children and adults.

“Instead of droning on about guilt and left-wing politics, religious leaders should focus on filling the spiritual gap that is clearly driving unhealthy behaviors,” he added.

Johnson’s comments were underscored by his personal experience with obesity and health risks during the Covid-19 pandemic.

After a severe bout with the virus, he became more focused on addressing the nation’s obesity problem, noting that Britain’s high obesity rates exacerbated the pandemic’s impact.