Hospitals continue to admit growing numbers of patients for treatment for obesity – while there is no sign of the UK population slimming, according to figures published yesterday.
In spite of repeated scares about the obesity epidemic, only just over a third of people can now be classed as of "normal weight," according to the Health and Social Care Information Centre.
The proportion – 37% – is about the same as in 2001 and reflects a massive expansion in the British girth in the 1990s.
The latest figures show that in 2011 26% of women and 24% of men were obese, based on measurements of body mass index.
Hospitals reported some 8,790 in-patient procedures, such as stomach stapling, for obesity – a 9% increase.
The British Heart Foundation said the figures were not a "flattering reflection" of the nation.
Amny Thompson, of the foundation, said: "The number of people who are overweight or obese is steadily climbing and unhealthy lifestyle choices are helping us along this path.
"After our Olympic year, it is a sad fact that only a third of us manage 30 minutes of physical activity once a week, when we should all be aiming for 150 minutes every week to keep our hearts healthy."
Tim Straughan, chief executive of the information centre, said: "It won’t have escaped the majority of people that obesity is a high profile issue in this country. This annual report is important in bringing clarity to how this actually affects people, patients and the NHS, from the weighing scales to the operating theatre."
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