Two-thirds in North Yorkshire ‘overweight or obese’

More than three-quarters of people in some English 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%.

The fattest county is Cumbria, with 68.3% of people overweight or obese, followed by North Yorkshire and Staffordshire, both on 67.9%.

Copeland in west Cumbria is the fattest local authority area (75.9%). Other regions where people are risking their health include Blackpool (72.1%), Milton Keynes (72.5%), County Durham (72.5%), Fenland in Cambridgeshire (72.4%), Bolsover in Derbyshire (72.5%), East Lindsey in Lincolnshire (73.8%), Doncaster in South Yorkshire (74.4%) and Sedgemoor in Somerset (73.4%).

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.”