ALMOST one in five 10 and 11-year-olds in Worcestershire are obese while a quarter of adults in the county are dangerously overweight.

According to the latest figures about 18.9 per cent of year six children in Worcestershire are classified as obese and while that is worse than the national average it is better than the regional average.

On a more positive note, a higher percentage than average of pupils in the county spend at least three hours each week on school sport.

When it comes to adults, about 25.6 per cent in Worcestershire are fatter than is considered healthy.

And 19.7 per cent smoke and an estimated 23.2 per cent drink too much while 28.4 per cent eat healthily and just 12.6 per cent are physically active.

As a result it is probably not surprising to see that the number of cases of diabetes has increased – from 23,670 to 25,181 – and is now considered to be significantly worse than the national average.

Despite that the life expectancy for both men and women living in Worcestershire is higher than regional and national averages although that can fluctuate by up to 7.5 years for men and 5.5 years for women when compared to those in the most deprived and most affluent parts of the county.

About 17,060 children are living in poverty in Worcestershire – an increase of 1,289 on the previous year.

Dr Ash Banerjee, NHS Worcestershire’s consultant in public health, said: “Although the health of people in Worcestershire is generally quite good the latest health profiles reveal that health inequalities persist.

“NHS Worcestershire is continuing to work with its partners to empower communities to tackle smoking, obesity and mental health so that every individual can fulfil their potential.”

According to the latest health profiles for the county, which is compiled by the Public Health Observatories for the Department of Health, the number of smoking related deaths per 100,000 people aged 35 and above rose from 795 to 860 but that is considered to better than average.

Early deaths from heart disease and strokes – 444 to 438 – and cancer – 711 to 708 – have improved slightly and are better than other areas.

The number of people per 100,000 attending hospital as a result of self-harming (1,220) is worse than the national average and while those attending through alcohol-related harm has increased – from 11,023 to 11,446 – that is considered to be better than average.

Other statistics of note show that the number of teenage pregnancies (under 18) has stayed about the same, about 11.8 per cent of expectant mothers smoke during pregnancy, an increase, while about 72.4 per cent of mothers breastfeed, which is a decrease.