1 in 3 adults ‘obese’ in Sandwell

PARTS of the Black Country have some of the fattest residents anywhere in the country, figures reveal.

More than one in three adults are classed as obese in Sandwell, and seven in 10 overweight.

And experts are linking poverty to obesity rates, as Sandwell is the most deprived of the four Black Country areas.

Dudley, the least deprived of those areas, has the lowest obesity rate in the Black Country at 29.6% - which is still well above the national average (25.3%).

There are above-average levels of obesity across the region, with 33.2% of the population of Walsall and 30.5% of adults in Wolverhampton obese. The obesity rate in Birmingham is 27%.

NHS data shows that obesity is almost twice as high among adults living in the most deprived neighbourhoods

of England (36.8%) than people living in the least deprived areas (19.2%).

It comes as analysis by Diabetes UK shows an “incredibly troubling” rise in the number of people aged under 40 diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Chris Askew, chief executive at Diabetes UK, said: “This trend of rapidly-increasing early-onset type 2 diabetes is incredibly troubling.

“It marks a shift from what we’ve seen historically and should be taken as a serious warning to policymakers and our NHS. If you’re under 40, you’re not immune to type 2 diabetes. It is vital that you check your risk now and that individuals, no matter what their age or background, are given the opportunity to access support to reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes.”

A Department of Health spokesperson said: “Having a fit and healthy population is essential for a thriving economy and we remain committed to helping people live healthier lives, including by introducing calorie labelling and restricting the location of high fat, salt or sugar foods. The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme helps users reduce their risk through education and exercise plans.”