Obesity on the rise in Shropshire, warns health body

Officials from Shropshire Clinical Commissioning group say obesity levels in Shropshire are similar to the national average of just under a quarter of adults - about 24 per cent.

In a report discussed at a Shropshire CCG meeting held in Shrewsbury yesterday, it states, that as a health problem, it is not spread equally throughout the population and inequalities exist.

The report says: "As there is an ageing population in Shropshire, obesity is likely to increase in line with this.

"Given that Shropshire is a relatively affluent county with fewer disadvantaged areas, the fact that there are similar levels of obesity to the national average is a matter of concern.

"We have been working with colleagues from public health and Shropshire Council to try to address the obesity challenge.

"Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death in Shropshire, accounting for around 35 per cent of all deaths annually.

"Many premature deaths from CVD are preventable as they are caused by lifestyle risk factors, such as smoking and poor diet.

"Although Shropshire’s rates of CVD are significantly lower than the national figures, males are significantly more likely to die prematurely from CVD than females.

"Evidence tells us that males who reside in the most deprived areas in Shropshire are significantly more likely to die prematurely than males in the less deprived areas.

"For females, there is no comparative difference in the same statistics."

The report also says the five most deprived areas in Shropshire are located within the former district wards of Harlescott, Meole Brace, Monkmoor, Battlefield and Heathgates - all in Shrewsbury.

Other deprived areas include the Castle, Gobowen, Gatacre and Cambrian in Oswestry; Market Drayton East and Whitchurch North in north Shropshire; and Ludlow Henley, Stokesay, and Bridgnorth and Highley in south Shropshire.

Bosses said future population growth and ageing will result in increased numbers of people with long-term conditions and non-communicable disease. This will lead to rising demand for health and social care services.

The report states: "Overall, the health of the population in Shropshire is good; both male and female life expectancy is significantly higher than the national average.

"Similarly, overall rates of mortality for males and females are significantly lower than the national average.

"Life expectancy has increased in the total population in the last decade and overall mortality has decreased.

"However, inequalities in health persist in Shropshire and the increase in life expectancy, and reduction in overall mortality, have not had an equal impact across all sections of the population."