TUBBY women are fuelling a record number of fat-related NHS hospital admissions.
Official figures reveal the devastating impact of the obesity crisis, with cases linked to flab up 15 per cent in just 12 months – reaching 710,562 in 2017/18.
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The total compares with 616,961 the year earlier and is double the 365,577 admissions in 2013/14.
The data shows women made up three in four cases where obesity was the main reason for treatment.
They were also responsible for four out of five weight-loss operations last year, according to NHS Digital.
Piling on pressure
Health boss Simon Stevens said the damning figures reveal the dangers of obesity – and how the crisis is heaping pressure on already-stretched hospitals.
He said: “With almost 100,000 more hospitalisations in just one year, this is the latest evidence that obesity is causing deadly diseases including 13 types of cancer, heart attacks, strokes and type 2 diabetes, while putting increasing strain on NHS staff and services.”
Mr Stevens said snack and junk food makers must do more to protect kids. He urged them to cut needless sugar and salt from their products.
1 in 3 adults obese
The new report shows women made up two in three admissions where fat was related to the illness.
Where obesity was a secondary reason for admission, some of the most common diagnoses included joint problems or health issues in pregnancy.
The peak age for fat-related admissions was 45 to 54.
The analysis shows the national admission rate where obesity was a factor was 1,323 per 100,000 population.
Nottingham and Wirral were worst affected, with more than 3,000 cases per 100,000 population.
In contrast, Wokingham, Reading, West Berkshire and Richmond-upon-Thames all recorded admission rates below 500.
The report shows 29 per cent of adults are now obese – around double the level in 1993.
Prevention better than a cure
Public Health Minister, Seema Kennedy, said action will be taken to reverse the epidemic.
She said: “This data shines a light on the devastating consequences of obesity – both for individuals and for the NHS.
“Prevention is always better than a cure and we are already taking action to protect the health of our next generation, with plans to reduce children’s exposure to sugary and fatty foods and get them moving more in school each day.”
Dr Giota Mitrou, Director of Research at World Cancer Research Fund, said: “This new data from the NHS is frightening, but not too surprising.
“Of particular concern is the increase in adult obesity, and the difference in childhood obesity between the most and least deprived areas.”
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