Coffins Now Too Large to Cremate Amid Rising Obesity Crisis

Published: 24 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Funeral directors across Britain are warning that an increasing number of coffins are now too large to be cremated, reflecting the country’s escalating obesity crisis. Scotland’s largest independent funeral home has reported a steady rise in the use of wider caskets and heavier pall-bearers, alongside the need for more powerful cremation furnaces. These changes, industry experts say, highlight the broader societal impact of rising body weights and the challenges faced in providing dignified funeral services for all.

Tim Purves, president of the National Association of Funeral Directors (Scotland), explained that the funeral industry has had to adapt gradually as population sizes have increased. “We always ensure people are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their size. But we are noticing that people are generally getting bigger, which adds practical complications for our work,” he said. He added that, in recent decades, coffin widths have expanded significantly to accommodate these changes.

Historically, the standard width for a coffin was around 18 inches. Today, 20-inch coffins are the norm, and in some instances, 24-inch caskets or even larger are required. In extreme cases, the size of a coffin has made cremation impossible, forcing families to opt for burial instead. Funeral directors also report logistical challenges when handling extremely large coffins, including difficulties with mechanised catafalques in crematoriums.

The Inspector of Burial, Cremation and Funeral Directors in Scotland confirmed that the industry has increasingly encountered issues with handling very large and heavy coffins. One notable incident involved a casket resting on a mechanised platform that could not be lowered due to its excessive size, creating both logistical and emotional difficulties during the service. Such cases underscore how rising obesity levels are affecting multiple aspects of life—and death.

Public Health Scotland (PHS) reports that approximately two-thirds of Scots are overweight, with around one-third classified as obese. Recent projections indicate that unless urgent action is taken, obesity rates will continue to increase dramatically over the next 15 years. PHS estimates that by 2040, an additional 150,000 Scots could be classified as obese, placing further strain on healthcare and funeral services.

Dr Grant Wyper, principal epidemiologist at PHS, explained that adult obesity is projected to rise sharply in Scotland over the coming decades. “We estimate 3.3 million cases of adult excess weight by 2040, with obesity rates rising most sharply among women. Between 2025 and 2040, we anticipate an additional 118,000 female and 36,000 male cases of obesity,” he said. These figures reflect a growing public health challenge that will continue to affect families and social services alike.

Funeral directors have had to adjust beyond coffin sizes, implementing larger teams to manage pall-bearers and acquiring furnaces capable of cremating heavier bodies. These adaptations, while necessary, highlight the real-life consequences of rising obesity for professionals in the funeral industry. They also emphasise the wider societal implications, as more individuals face health challenges linked to excess weight.

The crisis has prompted calls for a broader public health response to reduce obesity levels across the UK. Health authorities stress that preventative measures, including better nutrition education, public awareness campaigns, and access to weight management programmes, are vital. Without intervention, the physical and logistical challenges currently affecting the funeral sector may become far more widespread.

The rise in coffin sizes also illustrates the cultural and infrastructural impacts of obesity. Funeral homes, crematoriums, and associated services are having to invest in new equipment, adapt buildings, and plan for heavier workloads. These shifts indicate that obesity is not only a health issue but also a societal concern that influences planning, logistics, and the dignity of end-of-life care.

As Britain faces one of the highest obesity rates in Europe, Scotland remains particularly affected. With over 1.5 million adults living with obesity, the trend shows no signs of slowing. Public Health Scotland warns that without decisive action, these numbers will continue to rise, creating further challenges for families, health services, and the funeral industry alike.

Funeral directors remain committed to providing respectful services for all, regardless of size, but they urge greater public awareness of the broader impact of obesity. The intersection of health, infrastructure, and cultural practices highlights the complex consequences of rising body weights, making this a matter of national concern.