Mark Whitehead 15 May 2023

Adult obesity in rural areas up by over 1m

Adult obesity in rural areas up by over 1m  image
Image: kurhan / Shutterstock.com.

Rural areas are facing a surge in numbers of obese and overweight people but are hamstrung in their efforts to deal with it, according to council leaders.

New analysis from the County Councils Network (CCN) shows the number of adults who are overweight or obese has increased by 1.1 million in county and rural areas since 2015.

These areas account for 58% of the increase in England as a whole, yet they receive only about half of what councils in London receive in public health grant and much less than the national average.

The CCN says that as providers of public health services, as well as being responsible for leisure centres and active travel infrastructure such as cycle lanes, they are best placed to help people live healthier lives.

It is calling on the Government to deliver a fairer share of public health funding for county areas in a new formula.

CCN health and social care spokesperson Martin Tett said there were some innovative examples of how rural councils are helping residents to live healthy and active lives.

‘But despite this great work, the fact remains that county areas are hamstrung by how much funding for public health we receive.

‘We are at a significant disadvantage compared to urban areas, receiving up to 44% less on average than councils in London – and this could explain why our obesity and overweight rates have increased the most over the last seven years.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner