South Holland named as one of nation’s most obese areas… with neighbouring Boston borough even higher

South Holland has one of the highest obesity rates in the country, a study has revealed.

A total of 72.9% of adults in the district are classed as overweight or obese – putting the area 13th highest out of more than 300 analysed.

The neighbouring Boston borough – which includes the villages of Fosdyke, Sutterton, Swineshead, Algarkirk, Wyberton, Kirton, Bicker and Frampton – was even higher, listed joint 10th with Burnley on 73.4%.

Sarah Fletcher, chief executive officer of Healthwatch Lincolnshire, says the findings are ‘disappointing’ but understands many residents are beginning to make positive lifestyle changes.

“Healthwatch has been hearing for a long while the need for people to take more responsibility for overall health management, and in particular the life choices that impact on patients’ health, including smoking, drinking, lack of exercise and food choices.

“The data coming out about South Holland and Boston is disappointing and the problems need to be addressed if we want our local people to live longer and be healthy.

“We are all aware of the pressures on our NHS and care services and Healthwatch supports the fact that now is the right time for the message that ‘prevention is better than cure’ to increase.

“However, we also know that for many people when they become unwell, they expect NHS and care services to provide a cure, but this doesn’t always work if they are not prepared to make some lifestyle changes as well.

“The good news is that Healthwatch is hearing from frontline NHS staff that they are beginning to hear patients admit when they know they need to address weight or other lifestyle choices that impact on their health, let’s hope this is the start of positive change.”

Andy Fox, county assistant director of Public Health said: “We know that overweight and obese numbers are too high across the country.

“The impact of Covid has meant that many people have found it harder to maintain a healthy weight.”

He added: “Getting the right support is important to effectively tackle this issue, which is why the county council is investing further in helping children and families to work together in a fun way to get healthier through our Gloji Energy offer.

“Managed by One You Lincolnshire, they also offer support to adults who are overweight who would like to get healthier, including help to eat better, move more, drink less and to give up smoking.”

One of the aims of the £20 million Castle Sports Complex revamp is to try to boost our activity levels and combat long standing issues with weight.

The area with the highest percentage of obese and overweight adults, according to the study from online pharmacy Now Patient, was Thurrock in Essex, with 76.3%. Islington in London had the lowest, at 44%.

You can learn more about Gloji Energy by visiting www.oneyoulincolnshire.org.uk

What do you think? How can South Holland shake off its health issues? Email andrew.brookes@iliffepublishing.co.uk