NEARLY two thirds of adults in Kent are overweight or obese, according to a health report published today.

Public Health England has released statistics compiled by local authorities that show “worryingly high” figures across a number of counties in the South East.

They show that over 64 per cent of adults in Kent measure too high on the scales, highlighting the “extent of the challenge faced by many local authorities”.

The report notes the health issues associated with weight cost the NHS over £5 billion a year and said causes such as social and economic deprivation play a part.

Dr Graham Bickler, PHE centre director for Kent, Surrey and Sussex, said councils can develop ways to tackle the problems. 

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

“Today’s information will help local authorities to understand the extent of the problem in their area and support their on-going efforts to tackle overweight and obesity and improve the health of their local population.”