Two towns in West Midlands named among 'Britain's fattest' in shocking obesity report - find out where
People in the Black Country and Staffordshire are among Britain’s fattest, official government figures reveal.
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New figures, released by the Office of Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), have revealed that Walsall and Cannock residents are among the most overweight in England.
The figures, released for the 2023/24 period, show that out of the Black Country boroughs, Walsall ranks the highest, with 36.2 per cent of residents being noted as living with obesity.
The next highest borough is Sandwell, with 31.9 per cent of residents living with obesity during the year of 2023/24.
In Staffordshire, two in five people in Cannock are deemed to be obese - one of the highest rates in the country.
The figures were released as it was revealed that at least a third of adults in England live with obesity, with the highest numbers being seen in the Midlands and the North East.
Responding to the figures, NHS England national medical director, Sir Stephen Powis, said: "Obesity remains one of the biggest public health issues we face as a society, and these figures show a small but concerning rise in the number of overweight and obese people.
"It is crucial we reverse decades of rising obesity rates and the associated cost to the health service, and those who need support can access help through the NHS weight management programme via their GP."
The OHID data compiled the estimates based on height and weight, which were then adjusted to more accurately predict figures that would be used by a health professional.
An OHID spokesperson said: "Obesity is a global and complex public health concern.
"It is associated with reduced life expectancy and is a risk factor for a range of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, liver disease, and respiratory disease.
"It can also impact on mental health. Regular physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, colon and breast cancer, and improved mental health."
The report coincides with a suggestion that eight loss drugs may soon become available to purchase over the counter at pharmacies, a move that may help reduce health conditions that are brought on by obesity, including diabetes and heart disease.
There is particular concern in the West Midlands about obesity in children. A report late last year revealed Sandwell ranked the highest in the country for obese year six-age schoolchildren with 31 per cent deemed overweight, with Wolverhampton and Walsall not far behind at just under 30 per cent.
See the full list of the West Midlands areas with the highest obesity rating below:
Cannock Chase: 37.8% (38.4%, 28.4%)
Telford & Wrekin: 36.3% (28.4%, 34.4%)
Walsall: 36.2% (29.0%, 28.0%)
Wyre Forest: 34.8% (30.7%, 23.9%)
Sandwell: 31.9% (35.1%, 35.0%)
Wolverhampton: 31.1% (33.0%, 26.5%)
Dudley: 31.0% (32.2%, 27.4%)
Birmingham: 29.3% (25.9%, 26.1%)
Shropshire: 28.6% (28.6%, 26.5%)
Stafford: 26.1% (25.9%, 20.9%)
South Staffs: 26.1% (25.7%, 26.4%)
Lichfield: 23.8% (18.2%, 26.9%)
