Most of us enjoy an occasional brush with fast food, but according to a public health watchdog it’s becoming ever easier to get high fat treats as the nation’s obesity epidemic continues.

Figures from Public Health England (PHE) from last year show there are 118 outlets selling fatty foods including burgers, kebabs and fish and chips in the Maidstone borough.

That doesn’t include bakeries, restaurants and cafes.

Just over 66% of the 160,000 people in Maidstone are classed as overweight or obese, higher than the national average, which is 64%.

Across Kent, there are 1,381 fast food joints, with the crown for the most taken by Medway, which has 237.

This is followed by Thanet at 152, Canterbury at 133, with Maidstone coming fourth.

Compared by density per 100,000 people, Thanet is well in front, with around 140,000 living there.

This falls in line with research linking increased numbers of fast food outlets in areas of deprivation. There are 5,800 takeaway shops in the South East, while across the country the local authority with the highest number of them is the East Midlands, which has 1,058 fast food establishments.

Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at PHE, said: “More than a fifth of adults and children eat takeaway meals at home more than once a week which is contributing to the nation’s obesity epidemic.

“Some councils are already
trying to limit the number of new takeaways, particularly around schools.

“PHE encourages other authorities to follow in their footsteps as a healthy environment is a core part of tackling childhood obesity.”