Over two thirds of adults in Rochdale overweight or obese

Over two thirds (68.6%) of people in the Borough of Rochdale are overweight or obese, according to new excess weight data published by Public Health England.

Overweight and obesity are complex issues and influenced by a variety of factors, including social and economic deprivation and age.

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 self-esteem and mental health. Health problems associated with being overweight or obese cost the NHS over £5 billion each year.

Dr Paul Laker, local GP and Governing Body member of NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group (NHS HMR CCG) says: “Local obesity figures are worrying, as we know too well that obesity can lead to other health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.

"A range of measures are funded locally in an attempt to reduce these figures including: referrals to the Healthy Weight team, Weight Watches and Slimming World, health trainers, fitness on prescription, and much more. Walking clubs and gardening clubs are supported by local GPs, and can be a great way to lose weight and stay healthy. You can also find free weighing machines in all local GP surgeries.”

Professor Martyn Regan, Greater Manchester Centre Director at Public Health England, said: “Public Health England is committed to helping tackle the levels of people who are overweight and obese in Greater Manchester supporting our local authorities to develop a broad programme of action to reduce levels of excess weight.”

“There is no silver bullet to reducing obesity. It is an issue that requires action at national, local, family and individual level. Local authorities are ideally placed to develop co-ordinated action across their departments, services and partner organisations to tackle overweight and obesity in the local population.”

“This new data will enable local councils to monitor progress towards the national ambition of achieving a downward trend in excess weight by 2020. Today’s information will help local authorities to understand the extent of the problem in their area and support their on-going efforts to tackle overweight and obesity and improve the health of their local population.”

Excess weight is a term used for overweight including obesity; it is defined in adults as a BMI greater than or equal to 25kg/m2.