A shocking new study has revealed the scale of the obesity problem in Kirklees.
Obesity-related admissions to Kirklees’ already-stretched hospital services soared by more than half in just a year.
The survey revealed that more than 3,500 people in Huddersfield and Dewsbury visited hospital with matters concerning their weight in the period between 2014 and 2015.
The 3,574 figure was up by 55% compared with the previous year, when there were 2,303 admissions in the same vein.
It means that 829 people per 100,000 have been given a primary or secondary diagnosis of clinical obesity.
Government figures reveal that 65.7 per cent of adults in Kirklees have an unhealthy high weight.
Tony Cooke, Head of Health Improvement for Kirklees Council said: “The council has a range of services available to support adults who wish to make some positive changes, which will ultimately mean that they will lose excess weight and reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.
“We are prioritising our work around food and nutrition with programmes which mean that no matter where they live people in Kirklees can access healthy, affordable, sustainable and local food.”
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The obesity study found that while hospital admissions increased figures for gastric band or bypass surgery are on their way down.
Bariatric surgery numbers fell by six per cent between 2014 and 2015 to 6,032 operations.
The biggest fall in surgery numbers were among the age group of 55 to 64, although people aged 65 and over had 17 per cent more gastric operations.
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The figure for people aged between 16 and 24 undergoing such surgery remained stable at 200.
There are currently a number of activities around Kirklees helping to tackle the problem.
Kirklees Walking Network host regular walks for experienced walkers as well as new mums.
The council also host “Shall We Dance” sessions featuring cha cha, waltz and jive classes.
For more information visit kirklees.gov.uk/dance or kirkleesactive.co.uk.
