Two West Midlands towns have been named among the fattest in England by a new health study which ranked its residents as some of the most overweight. Analysis of Public Health England data revealed the areas of the country with the highest obesity rates.
It delivered a obesity top 10 for England, revealing towns and boroughs where around three quarters of the population are considered either overweight or obese. The list was dominated by areas in the north and Midlands, providing more evidence of the north/south divide.
Poor diets and unhealthy lifestyles are more associated with areas where deprivation rates as higher and families struggle to afford the best quality food. The Midlands areas that made the top 10 are both in Staffordshire – placing the county high up on the obesity list.
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They are Tamworth and Cannock Chase. Tamworth is the third fattest area in England, according to the data.
Almost exactly three quarters of residents – 74.9% – are classed as overweight or obese. Is it behind only Thurrock in Essex and Stockton on Tees in the North East.
Cannock Chase is listed as eighth, with 73.7% of the population either overweight or obese. Other areas on the top 10 list are Hartlepool, Knowsley, North East Derbyshire, Wigan, Harlow and Boston.
NowPatient analysed Public Health England data as well as the number of Google searches for weight solutions from April 2022 – March 2023 to identify areas which have the biggest problems. Expert tips for losing weight include daily walks, getting more protein into your diet and eating more vegetables.
It comes after Walsall Council recently unveiled an ambitious plan aimed at tackling obesity levels in the borough. It will involve encouraging people to eat healthier, nutritious meals in an affordable way and cut out high salt and excess calories.
Concerns have previously been raised about the number of takeaways in town centres and close to schools. But it appears changing mindsets will not be straightforward after a Walsall headteacher was spat at, threatened and branded a “food Nazi” for trying to introduce healthier school meals.