More than 15,000 people were admitted to hospital with an obesity-related diagnosis in the past year in Kent, figures show.

In the 12 months to March 2018, 15,460 were admitted to hospital with a primary or secondary diagnosis of obesity, and 59% were women.

A government minister said the figures highlight the “devastating consequences” of the condition for patients and the NHS.

The rate of admissions in Kent is 1,014 for every 100,000 residents in 2017-18, according to the latest NHS data.

That’s up on the previous 12 months when it was 947. Three years earlier it was 524.

For 270 of those admitted to hospital in 2017-18, obesity was the primary cause.

There are many conditions where obesity is listed as the secondary cause of time in hospital.

The national figures show the most common are joint problems such as arthritis, or health issues in pregnancy where the woman was obese.

Gallstones, and heart disease contributed to by obesity, were also high on the list of secondary diagnoses.

"This data shines a light on the devastating consequences of obesity - both for individuals and for the NHS..." - public health minister Seema Kennedy

Across England the number of obesity-related admission has jumped by 15% a rate of 1,323 per 100,000 people.

The data also shows that 160 people in Kent were admitted to hospital for weight loss (bariatric) surgery and more than three-quarters of them were women.

Public Health minister Seema Kennedy 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.

“I am committed to reversing these worrying trends and we will be exploring other solutions through our prevention Green Paper later this year.”

Ian Hudspeth, chairman of the Local Government Association’s community wellbeing board, said: “Obesity is one of our most serious public health challenges and these figures are a wake-up call on what is needed to help combat this epidemic.”

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