Hospital obesity cases rocket 78% since 1997

2.33.29pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 17th 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.

There were 810 cases of obesity being treated in hospital in 1997. New figures for 2002/3 show an increase to 1442.

Obesity is becoming a major health issue. In the USA, Obesity is reversing a century of positive gains in levels of life expectancy.

The regions with the highest increase, where cases of obesity have more than doubled were:

* North West -up 162%

* West Midlands - up 137%

* South East - up 129%

The region with the most cases was Northern and Yorkshire. The Eastern region had the fewest cases.

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."