The latest figures from the Office for Health Improvement & Disparities identified the fattest places in England where adults over the age of 18 were classified as overweight or obese.
The top seven towns had 75 percent or more citizens belonging to this category.
Worryingly, people who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of many serious health problems, ranging from heart disease to cancer and osteoarthritis to diabetes.
The 2021/22 data was based on Active Lives Adult Survey which measures the physical activity levels of adults, children and young people across England.
Located in Eastern England, South Holland, which is a local government district of Lincolnshire, came top of the list, with 77.6 percent of citizens being classed as overweight or obese.
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This was followed by West Lindsey (77.3 percent) and Wakefield (76.4 percent).
Andy Fox, Assistant Director of Public Health, said: “We know that overweight and obese numbers are too high across the country.
“The impact of Covid has meant that many people have found it harder to maintain a healthy weight.
“Getting the right support is important to effectively tackle this issue, which is why the county council is investing further in helping children and families to work together in a fun way to get healthier through our ‘Gloji Energy’ offer.
“Managed by One You Lincolnshire, they also offer support to adults who are overweight who would like to get healthier, including help to eat better, move more, drink less and to give up smoking.”
According to the data, the top seven places with the highest rates of overweight or obese people were:
- South Holland (77.6 percent)
- West Lindsey (77.3 percent)
- Wakefield (76.4 percent)
- South Tyneside (76.3 percent)
- Hartlepool (76.2 percent)
- Walsall (75.3 percent)
- County Durham (75.2 percent)
However, Anna Hartley, Director of Public Health at Wakefield Council believes that the data doesn’t illustrate the whole picture.
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Hartley said: “This was a small-scale survey, involving around 500 people in Wakefield so we don’t believe this accurately reflects the situation across our district.
“However, obesity and excess weight is a major issue, locally, nationally and globally.
“We are currently developing a Healthy Weight Strategy, supporting people living in our district to live healthy lives, as we believe prevention is better than cure. This will include promoting physical activity, healthy planning guidance and re-designing our weight management services to ensure those living with excess weight can access the support that they need.
“We believe that rising obesity levels are not just about personal choices. Having a healthy weight is influenced by many factors, such as the environment around us and the opportunities people have to live a healthy life.”
Similarly to South Holland and Wakefield, Walsall, who came sixth on the list, is also trying to tackle this issue.
Stephen Gunther, Director of Public Health at Walsall Council, said: “The Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) enables families and children in Walsall to access healthy food and physical activity provision during school holidays, and our commissioned Food for Life programme has helped 16,058 children to benefit from understanding food, growing fruit and vegetables and eating healthier and nutritious foods.
“We encourage being active and hydration and nutrition through our 8 Steps to Wellbeing.
“Support is available in several ways to help individuals understand what is important to keep healthy, well and independent.”
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