THE National Obesity Forum welcomes the publication of the new report by Dr Foster Research, `Weighing Up the Burden of Obesity’

It highlights so-called obesity hotspots, which are located in the East and West Midlands; the North East, including Northumberland, Durham and Tyne and Wear. Counties in the South East are also included as well as the Isle of Wight and parts of Kent.  Previous editions of Dr Foster’s Map of obesity hotspots showed that high levels of obesity were confined to the Midlands and the North of England. This new data confirms concerns that obesity is a medical problem that  goes across the social classes. High levels of obesity now occur in affluent and less affluent areas and obesity, affecting adults and children, is a national problem.
 
As acknowledged by the Foresight Report http://www.foresight.gov.uk/OurWork/ActiveProjects/Obesity/Obesity.asp) published earlier this year, obesity is a complex problem that requires a complex solution. Not only do measures need to focus on the individual affected by obesity and their families but measures need to be taken that address the factors in our environment that influence the development of obesity. 

Fore more information see: http://tinyurl.com/5a65v5