Thanet tips the scales for having the highest number of overweight adults in east and south Kent.

Newly published figures, based on Sport England’s Active People survey, show that more than two out of three people in the district are overweight or obese.

Data published by Public Health England shows the Isle’s percentage of 68.4% of adults carrying excess weight is worryingly high.

Thanet is right at the top of the Kent table. Swale is the only authority area with a marginally higher level of overweight people with 68.8% of adults in this bracket.

People in neighbouring Canterbury district are the slimmest in Kent, according to the statistics, with just over one in two people overweight (54.2%) while in the Dover district, it is just under two out of every three (63.2%).

Nationally, the rate of increase in weight is slowing down, and figures for children weighing too much have also stabilised.

Problems associated with being overweight include the risk of developing type 2 diabetes,heart disease and certain cancers.

Dr Graham Bickler, Kent, Surrey and Sussex Public Health England centre director said:”Public Health England is committed to helping tackle the levels of people who are overweight and obese in Kent, Surrey and Sussex by supporting our local authorities to develop a broad programme of action to reduce levels of excess weight.

“There is no silver bullet to reducing obesity. It is an issue that requires action at national,local, family and individual level.

“Local authorities are ideally placed to develop co-ordinated action across their departments, services and partner organisations to tackle overweight and obesity in the local population.”

He said the new data should help local councils move towards the national ambition of bringing excess weight down by 2020.

Meanwhile, parents and children are invited to book for free cookery and fun activity sessions to promote healthier living in Thanet over half term.

They have been organised by Thanet Community Development Trust at the Marlowe Academy, in aid of healthier hearts.

Sessions will run from February 17 to 21 and the project is geared to help families with children aged between five and 15.

They will learn new ways of cooking tasty, healthy meals on a budget and then enjoy a family sports activity session at the end of the week, supported by Generation Sport.

The event is funded by Heart Research UK and Subway.

For more details or to book a place on the course, call Natalie Broome on 01843 855 155 or email: natalie.broome@tcdt.org.uk