Health services aim to tackle Kent obesity rate

An action plan is being brought in to tackle obesity in Kent

Health services in Kent are teaming up to deliver an action plan to tackle obesity and support those who want to lose weight.

The "majority" of the county's districts have more overweight and obese adults than the England average, according to a report looking at the issue.

The Kent Weight Management Strategic Action Plan was jointly developed by Kent County Council and NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board.

Meeting documents for Tuesday's health reform and public health cabinet committee said in 2021-22, 65.8% of adults in Kent were overweight or obese, compared to 63.8% in England.

The report said this was an increase from 63.1% in 2020-2021 and that while the percentage of adults classified as obese increased from 26% in 2020-2021 to 27.3% in 2021-2022, this increase was "statistically significant".

The districts with the highest overweight and obesity prevalence were Folkestone and Hythe (72.8%), Thanet (72%), Dover (69.4%) and Gravesham (68.3%), according to the report.

Obesity is a significant risk factor for physical and mental health conditions including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, depression and low self-esteem, the report said.

"As a result, there is an increased risk of disability and premature death" for individuals who are overweight or obese, the report continued.

Meanwhile, one programme which has helped people in Kent lose weight is Man v Fat football, where weekly weight loss progress counts towards team goals.

Dan Church, regional manager at Man v Fat, said across Kent participants had lost more than 10,000 kg of weight.

Mr Church said different reasons brought people to Man v Fat, whether people were looking to lose weight, better their mental health or were looking for a social activity.

"Every single guy that we can support to make a lifestyle change and improve their wellbeing is a positive thing," he said.