The number of obese children and adults in Sevenoaks is rapidly increasing, according to the council.

Sevenoaks District Council is working to tackle to the growing problem that was highlighted in national data.

It is becoming increasingly concerned about some potential subsequent effects of obesity including the development of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, indigestion and some cancers.

The district's health profile overview for 2012 revealed that it has the second highest prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes in west Kent and the number is expected to rise over the next 15 years.

In 2012 it was estimated that 65.3% of adults in the town were classed as overweight or obsese, with a body mass index (BMI) over 25.

Of this group, 24% were obsese with a BMI over 30.

There is a growing concern over the level of obesity amongst school children. Pupils are currently weighed in Reception and in Year 6.

In 2012/13 the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) revealed that 19.6% of children who were measured are overweight in Reception and 30.6% are overweight in Year 6.

Commissioned by Kent County Council's (KCC) public health team, the council delivers a range of healthy weight programmes in a bid to reduce obesity in the town.

In 2014/15 it received £62,000 from the authority to deliver healthy weight interventions as part of the overall £130,741 provided for prevention schemes.

Since 2010, the council has recruited and supported 1,052 people through weight management programmes with a total weight loss of 2 tonnes.

In partnership with KCC and clinical commissioning groups it is now developing an enhanced healthy weight pathway to ensure there is a whole system approach to prevention services.

As part of this, the council is discussing with Kent planners possible restrictions being placed on the approval of take away restaurants near schools.

It also aims to review its current weight management and obesity prevention programmes and develop these appropriately.

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