The alarming scale of the obesity problem in Reading has been starkly revealed in the latest published health statistics.

Figures show that 63 per cent of adults in Reading are overweight or obese.

Statistics imply that the issue of excess weight begins in childhood as well.

According to the data, 36.4 per cent of 10-11-year-old children are carrying excess weight, which is higher than the rest of the South East and the national average.

The figures were revealed in a report by Mary Maimo, Reading Borough Council's public health and wellbeing manager.

The report was made to the council's health and wellbeing board, which received a presentation on its health and wellbeing strategy.

Priorities include:

  • Reduce differences in health between different groups of people
  • Supporting those at high risk of bad health outcomes to live healthy lives
  • Help families and children in early years
  • Promote mental health and wellbeing for people of all ages

Councillors present acknowledged that the council faces a long battle to deal with the health issues raised.

Liz Terry (Labour, Coley) the council leader said:  "Tackling health inequalities, looking at some of these particular factors of early years etc, they need more longitudinal review.

"It's really hard to say in a very short space of time that you've shifted the dial on any of these.

"It may be crop seeds. We'll get outputs, that's great, but actually driving out health inequalities will actually take a bit of time."

She summed up by saying health professionals may have to acknowledge how long it can take to meet the objectives within the strategy.

The report was delivered at the health and wellbeing board meeting on Friday, October 11.