A SHOCK survey today reveals the true cost of tackling obesity.

And in Kirklees the bill has soared to more than £103m, with more increases likely in the years to come.

The figures were released today in a survey by the Government’s Departmentof Health. Officials have revealed that in Yorkshire the cost of dealing with health problems caused by obesity is likely to reach £1.5bn by 2015.

Health chiefs say parts of Yorkshire face some of the country’s highest levels of obesity.

Worries include the fact that parents fail to recognise their children are obese and so face problems.

Parents also underestimate the problems caused by convenience foods and don’t know how to cook a meal.

Today’s report is part of the planning for the Change4Life campaign, aimed at improving the nation’s health.

In Kirklees the cost of dealing with obesity last year was £103.4m. In 2010 it is expected to be £107.3m and in 2015 the bill will reach £114.8m.

The figures for Calderdale are £53m (2007), £55m (2010) and £58.8m (2015).