Figures show scale of Shropshire obesity crisis

More than 70 per cent of adults in Telford & Wrekin are overweight or obese, putting it higher than the national average of 65 per cent.

It is also above the average figure for the West Midlands region, which is 66 per cent.

But while people in Telford need to slim down, those in the rest of Shropshire are slimline in comparison.

The Shropshire local authority area is below the English average, with 62 per cent of adults living in the area classed as overweight or obese.

The figures, released by Public Health England, are the first time numbers on obesity have been broken down by local area and lists Telford as 34th highest local authority.

Telford & Wrekin Council says it is already taking steps to persuade people to be healthier.

Russell Griffin, of Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "Telford and Wrekin's Health and Wellbeing Board has targeted tackling obesity as one of its priorities and is clear that a new approach is needed to support people to help make it easier to eat more healthily and get more active.

"We are working with partners including the NHS, private and voluntary sector to ensure that the healthy choice is the easy choice for everyone to make."

He said campaigns like the change4life Smart Swaps run by the council in January aim to get families thinking about what they are eating and drinking and to make small simple changes that they can stick to every day in a very simple way.

Mr Griffin added: "This campaign was supported by schools, libraries, children's centres and leisure centres across the borough and we will be looking to increase ways that people can get involved and make lifestyle changes themselves.

"Similarly one of the key goals of the Telford Loyalty Card we launched last year is to help get people more active across the borough.

"There are also lots of ways to get active, using the parks and open spaces across the borough, to walk the dog, share a stroll with friends or using the many footpaths and cycle routes across the borough to enjoy the fresh air."

Public Health England has said that even in the areas with lowest prevalence of people who are overweight and obese, levels are still high.

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 mental health.

Health problems associated with being overweight or obese is said to cost the NHS over £5 billion each year.