MUMS-TO-BE OBESITY CRISIS Report also warns of high rates of breast cancer

One in four expectant mums across Renfrewshire is obese, a new health report has revealed.

NHS chiefs have also revealed that breast cancer rates are higher across the area and povertystricken pensioners are dying a decade earlier than those with cash.

The thorough health check of Renfrewshire’s residents, complied using years of data, shines a spotlight on various health problems facing families in Paisley and surrounding towns and villages.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) chiefs studied statistics from birth rates to life expectancy, comparing Renfrewshire’s findings against the rest of their catchment area.

And while patients suffered less alcohol abuse related problems, lung cancer rates were lower and infant deaths were fewer than in Glasgow, there were areas of concern.

One in four expectant mothers were deemed “obese” before they had their first antenatal appointment

Cases of breast cancer were a

concerning 28 per cent higher then elsewhere in the west of Scotland.

And the report also found that men in the most affluent areas of Renfrewshire lived on average to the age of 75, while those in deprived communities died just short of their 66th birthday.

There was around a five-year difference between the life expectancy of poor and rich women.

The report, which estimated Renfrewshire has a population of around 174,000, stated: “Maternal obesity is a recognised risk factor for a range of adverse maternal and foetal outcomes of pregnancy.

“In Renfrewshire, 25 per cent of females were obese. The prevalence of maternal obesity in Renfrewshire was greater than the average in NHSGGC.”

The report also revealed that despite babies being born underweight more often in Renfrewshire than elsewhere in NHSGGC, more than five per cent of youngsters start primary one considered obese.

Focussing on cancer, the study stated: “The Standardised Incidence Ratio (SIR) in Renfrewshire HSCP for lung cancer was 85.6 per cent and this was significant.

“The incidence of lung cancer in Renfrewshire HSCP was about 14 percent less common than in NHSGGC overall.

“The incidence of breast cancer in Renfrewshire HSCP was about 28 percent greater than in the population of NHSGGC.”

Life expectancy figures were similar across the country, but made bleak reading for hard-up families.

The report added: “Life expectancy in Renfrewshire in males was 75.1 years in the most affluent population and 65.9 years in the most deprived population.

“The corresponding data for females was 79.9 years in the most affluent population and 74.5 years in the most deprived population.”