Quarter of adults in York living with obesity, new figures suggest

Yahoo

14-05-2025

A quarter of adults in York were living with obesity last year, new figures suggest.
It comes as the number of people in the city who have an unhealthy weight is 'significantly higher' now than a decade ago, according to City of York Council's health boss.
The estimates have been published by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), using data from the Sport England Active Lives Adult Survey.
They suggest that 25.2 per cent of adults in York were living with obesity in 2023/24.
The number is an increase of 1.7 per cent compared to the previous year, and up 2.5 per cent from 2018/19.
Across England, the figures suggest a growing number of local areas are estimated to have at least a third of adults living with obesity – many of them in the Midlands or the North East.
Peter Roderick, City of York Council's director of public health, said the data relating to York is 'similar to the national average, and the numbers of people in the city who don't have a healthy weight is significantly higher now than a decade ago'.
A quarter of adults in York were living with obesity last year, new figures suggest (Image: Supplied) He said excess calorie consumption is 'one of the major factors' that contributes to obesity, adding that 'half of our calories now come from ultra processed foods'.
Mr Roderick said the council is 'taking action' to combat obesity, including by encouraging healthier food and nutritional options in schools, and providing cookery classes and nutritional education.
He added that the council has 'ended the promotion of foods high in fat, salt and sugar, and we're developing plans to shape healthier food environments in the future'.
'We're working with partners across the city to help support everyone to adopt a health approach to nutrition, to consider portion sizes carefully, to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and reduce the portions of non-nutritious ultra-processed foods in their diet.
'York residents looking for ways to lose weight or get more active can find a range of help and support through our Health Trainer service.'
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England's national medical director, has said obesity 'remains one of the biggest public health issues we face as a society'.
The figures, he said, 'show a small but concerning rise in the number of overweight and obese people."
'It is crucial we reverse decades of rising obesity rates and the associated cost to the health service, and those who needs support can access help through the NHS weight management programme via their GP," Prof Powis said.
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All the data used by the OHID to compile the estimates is based on height and weight that has been self-reported by the survey's participants, which has then been adjusted to more accurately predict figures that would have been measured by a health professional.
'Obesity is a global and complex public health concern,' an OHID spokesperson said.
'It is associated with reduced life expectancy and is a risk factor for a range of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, liver, and respiratory disease.
'It can also impact on mental health.
'Regular physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, colon and breast cancer, and improved mental health.'