Rise in Gloucestershire obesity admissions

Hospital admissions for obesity have nearly doubled in the county in the last three years.

There were 85 admissions due to extreme overweight in Gloucestershire in the last financial year, up from 48 in 2006/07, according to data compiled by the NHS Information Centre.

Last year's figure is also up on 2007/08 which saw 76 admissions to Gloucestershire's hospitals where obesity was the main reason.

These patients still represent a very small percentage of overall admissions, with 76,342 in all at Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General Hospital in the financial year 2008/09, 73,235 in 2007/08 and 75,716 in 2006/07.

The increase is also less than the national trend which has seen such admissions rise by 60 per cent in the last year and by 360 per cent compared to five years ago.

In Gloucestershire, 24.3 per cent of adults are obese, which is slightly higher than the national average of 23.6 per cent, according to an NHS Gloucestershire report earlier this year.

A spokesperson for NHS Gloucestershire said: "Rates of childhood obesity are also increasing. This is similar to the national picture, and is a particular concern because excess weight in childhood often continues into adulthood."

Being overweight can pose a significant risk to health. Obese people are more likely to suffer illnesses including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and joint failure.

The spokesperson said tackling obesity is a high priority for NHS Gloucestershire, and added: "We are working with our partners to deliver a 10-year county-wide strategy for obesity prevention and weight management.

"There is no quick fix for obesity. However, by working together we can help reduce the number of obese and overweight children and adults in the county."

The strategy sets targets to increase participation in sport by adults and children, increase the percentage of schools achieving Healthy Schools status and to work to introduce exercise referral schemes.

NHS Gloucestershire is also introducing Change 4 Life, a Government-led programme to help people eat well, move more and live longer.

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: "Diet changes and exercise, supported by behaviour change, should be the first-line treatment for adults who are overweight or obese, followed by drug treatments if lifestyle interventions are unsuccessful."

Opinion, p8