Eight per cent of Swindon people are obese

12:50pm Friday 29th August 2008

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By Emma Streatfield »

ACCORDING to a national health poll, nearly eight per cent of people in Swindon are obese.

But Swindon Primary Care Trust’s information suggests this figure could be three times higher – matching the national average.

It was rated at 7.8 per cent in a national ‘fat map’ conducted by Dr Foster Research.

In comparison Wiltshire PCT was given a 6.9 per cent rating.

Swindon PCT refused to comment on the national ‘fat-map’ figures, until it could see how the company behind the research had reached its conclusions.

Jane Leaman, joint director of public health for Swindon PCT and Swindon Council, said: “Over the past year we have continued to tackle obesity by implementing and developing new services and programmes focused on both prevention and treatment.”

The results are based on information received from people registered with GPs as part of a Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) for 2006 to 2007.

Swindon does not come out near the top of this list with the Shetland Isles having 15.54 per cent obesity.

PCT figures show on entering reception class 9.8 per cent of children are classed as obese compared with 9.9 per cent in England overall.

Year six children in Swindon show an average of 17.3 per cent obesity, coming in below the national average of 17.5 per cent.

The PCT defended its support systems including breastfeeding support by midwives, healthy weaning advice by health visitors, the national healthy schools programme, general advice on healthy eating and physical activity by health professionals like school nurses as well as health visitors and practice nurses.

In addition exercise or weight loss programmes were available on referral.

The figures for Swindon were similar to Wiltshire.

A Wiltshire Primary Care Trust spokesman: “Obesity is a major public problem and we are absolutely committed to tackling it.

“We currently have a draft obesity strategy which will be published in due course.”

MEND, a scheme educating both children and parents about healthy eating and exercise, has also proved successful.

Dietician Deborah Collins said they were seeing more of the serious cases where patients’ BMI was above 35 and more patients were turning to surgery.

The Great Western Ambulance Trust confirmed it plans to introduce three super size ambulances in the near future.

And the Great Western Hospital has also had to buy extra equipment, such as beds and wheelchairs, to cope with larger patients.