Hospital obesity rates rocket 78% under Labour

6.29.45pm GMT Wed 18th Feb 2004

Hospital treatment for obesity has rocketed by 78% since Labour came to power, according to new official figures released by the Liberal Democrats today.

Nationally there were just 810 cases of obesity requiring hospital treatment in 1997. This has rocketed to 1,442 cases by 2002/03.

But the figures show that the rise is slower in the East Midlands than almost anywhere else in Britain. The Trent region of the NHS, which included Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire, as well as parts of Yorkshire, saw only a 40% rise in the numbers of admissions to hospital for obesity, which compares favourably to nearby West Midlands where figures more than doubled.

The consequences of obesity cost the NHS £469.9 million in 1998-the latest year for which figures are available. The increase in hospitalisation for obesity suggests this figure might now be much higher.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Paul Burstow MP, said:

"The rising tide of obesity is affecting the lives of countless individuals and costing the NHS billions. Ministers have yet to grasp the scale of the problem, failing to appreciate the damage it is doing to the health of our nation.

"Without a coherent approach to tackling obesity England will soon end up the overweight capital of Europe. Action is needed to tackle both sides of the energy equation, encouraging active lifestyles and promoting healthy diets.

"Of course we all have personal responsibility for our own weight but that should not let the food industry off the hook. The industry must demonstrate that it is a willing partner in the fight against obesity. Better information and action to cut the sugar, salt and fat in processed food will be crucial."

ENDS