NUMBERS of people overweight and obese in the district are on the rise, a new health report has revealed.

The findings are contained in an update on the Living Well programme, a joint initiative between Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and Bradford Council.

According to data from the National Child Development Programme, 23 per cent of reception children in Bradford district are overweight or obese. The national figure is 22.6 per cent.

The percentage of reception-aged-children rated as severely obese increased to 3.2 per cent in 2017-18.

By the time children are measured again in year six, 37.9 per cent in the district are overweight or obese – compared to 34.2 per cent nationally.

The report adds that the proportion of children who are overweight when they start school fluctuates between 20 and 23 per cent, but the proportion in year six is rising year on year.

Adult obesity levels are also continuing to increase.

Information from GP practices has outlined the number of patients over the age of 16 who are registered as having a Body Mass Index, a calculation designed to show whether someone is at a healthy weight, of over 30. A BMI between 30 and 39.9 puts someone in the obese range.

In the Airedale and Wharfedale CCG area, that number stands at 20,014.

Dr Anne Connolly – a GP and clinical lead for self-care and prevention with NHS Bradford district and Craven CCGs – said: “We recognise that obesity levels in Bradford and district are on the rise. Reducing obesity in both adults and children is one of our key priorities and we are working on initiatives to support people in the district to be healthier.

“This year we launched Living Well, in partnership with Bradford Council, which will focus on making it easier for people of all ages and abilities to be more active and eat a balanced diet. This will include a Living Well service, supported by a website and digital tools, to help people make small lifestyle changes which can make a big difference to their weight.

“Living Well also involves working with organisations across Bradford district to make a healthy lifestyle the norm.”

Toni Williams, consultant for public health at Bradford Council, added: “Making sure children play and have an active lifestyle is an important part of every child’s development.”