Tower Hamlets has second-lowest levels of obesity in London
Lose weight for good - Credit: Archant
Residents of Tower Hamlets are among of the slimmest people in the country.
The borough has the second-lowest percentage of obese and overweight residents in England, according to data collected by Public Health England (PHE).
The borough was just one of five areas where obese and overweight residents were in the minority, with 47.2 per cent of people classed as overweight or obese according to body mass index guidelines.
The percentage of overweight or obese people in London averages 57.3 per cent, ranging from 45.9 per cent in Kensington and Chelsea to 67.2 per cent in Hillingdon.
But Tower Hamlets council said the percentage of overweight and obese adults is “still far too high” and it would continue its efforts to try and drive the figures down further.
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A spokeswoman for the council said: “The recent data published suggests Tower Hamlets has a relatively low rate of overweight and obese adults. However, many people in Tower Hamlets are at high risk of obesity-related conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
“Tower Hamlets Council offers a variety of free programmes to support physical activity and encourage people to walk and cycle more as well as weight management services for those who are severely obese.”
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Dr Yvonne Doyle, London director at PHE, said: “There is no silver bullet to reducing obesity. It is an issue that requires action at national, local, family and individual level.”
Health problems associated with being overweight or obese cost the NHS more than £5 billion each year.
To find out more about local healthy activities and programmes in Tower Hamlets, visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/gethealthy
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