09-05-2025
Sussex areas with the highest rates of obesity revealed
New figures have revealed which areas in Sussex have the highest rates of obesity.
The data, published by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, lays out the levels of adult obesity in each local authority in the county.
The figures are based on data collected in the year leading up to March 2024.
Crawley has the highest percentage of adults living with obesity at 33.5 per cent, placing it among the highest in the country.
The full Sussex figures can be seen in the graph below.
Chichester follows with 30 per cent, and Arun with 29 per cent.
Hastings has an obesity rate of 28.9 per cent, with Lewes at 25.4 per cent and Horsham at 24.2 per cent.
Mid Sussex has an obesity rate of 23.6 per cent, Rother has 23.3 per cent, and Worthing has 22.7 per cent.
Eastbourne has an obesity rate of 21.5 per cent, Adur has 20.4 per cent, and Wealden has 20.3 per cent.
Brighton and Hove has the lowest percentage of adults living with obesity at 20.1 per cent.
This means there is a difference of more than 13 per cent between the area with the lowest obesity rate, Brighton and Hove, and the highest, Crawley.
The figures form part of a wider national picture of increasing obesity.
The data estimates that 44 local authorities across the England have at least 33.3 per cent of adults living with obesity.
NHS England national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, said: "Obesity remains one of the biggest public health issues we face as a society, and these figures show a small but concerning rise in the number of overweight and obese people."
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A spokesperson for the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities said: "Obesity is a global and complex public health concern.
"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.'
