Freedom of information request; obesity statistics in Preston

“I am a trainee journalist and would like to know the obesity statistics in Preston, Lancashire. Is the Central Lancashire Primary Care Trust doing anything to tackle the problem via GP surgeries?”

Percentage of Obese adults and children in NHS Central Lancashire by Local Authority

Source: NWPHO data 2006/2007. http://www.nwph.net/healthprofiler/methodology/#88

Obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index of more than 30 kg/m². In Preston in 2006/2007; an estimated 24.5% of adults were obese. The prevalence of obesity in adults in Preston is slightly lower than that seen for Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire and similar to the average prevalence for the North West of England.

In Preston in 2006/2007; 10.1% of children were estimated to be obese. This is higher than the prevalence of obesity in Chorley and South Ribble, but lower than West Lancashire and slightly better than the average prevalence of childhood obesity in the North West of England.

The data above is the most reliable, recent, complete data available.

Within NHS Central Lancashire, every GP practice has access to an adult weight management care pathway pack that provides guidance on the assessment and management of obesity in primary care. A child weight management care pathway pack is currently being developed.

In NHS Central Lancashire, individuals who meet the criteria specified in NICE clinical guideline 43 will have access to a range of local services. These services cover food, nutrition and physical activity advice. GPs refer directly into these services.