North East Is Most Overweight Region

4 February 2014, 13:34 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

More than three-quarters of people in North East towns and cities are overweight or obese, according to figures.

For the first time, England-wide data reveals the fattest and thinnest parts of England and the scale of the obesity crisis.

Overall, 63.8% of adults in England are overweight or obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or over.

The fattest region is the North East, where 68% of people are overweight or obese, followed by the West Midlands at 65.7%.

In County Durham 72.5% of people are overweight or obese - the highest rate in our region.

Professor Kevin Fenton, director of health and wellbeing at Public Health England, said:
"Many local authorities are already working hard to reduce obesity levels and these new data will help all local areas monitor their progress in tackling these long-standing problems.

People who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.

Excess weight can also affect self-esteem and mental health. Overall health problems associated with being overweight or obese cost the NHS over £5 billion each year.

There is no silver bullet to reducing obesity; it is a complex issue that requires action at individual, family, local and national levels. We can all play our part in this by eating a healthy, balanced diet and being more active."