THE number of people hospitalised in Bolton due to obesity is lower than the regional average.

It comes as a national report has revealed obesity-related hospital admissions in England have increased.

The data from the Health and Social Care Information Centre has shown that, in 2011/12, there were 12 hospital admissions per 100,000 people in Bolton for those with a primary diagnosis of obesity.

Out of 24 Primary Care Trust’s (PCT) in the North West, eight had lower figures.

It also revealed that in 2011/12, Bolton had 353 hospital admissions per 100,000, for people with a primary or secondary diagnosis of obesity.

In the North West, only five PCTs had lower figures.

The data also showed Bolton was similar to the rest of the country, and had more female admissions for obesity than male.

Hospitals in England reported 11,740 inpatient admissions with a primary diagnosis of obesity in 2011/12 — in Bolton there were 32, with nine male and 23 female.

An NHS Bolton spokesman said: “Our specialist weight management service has worked hard to stem the rising prevalence of obesity and diseases associated with it.

“Seeing patients with a BMI (body mass index) of 40 and above, the team is made up of a clinical lead, a doctor with extensive experience in weight management, a dietician, a psychologist and a physical activity advisor, giving a really rounded package of support to people who use the service.

“In addition, our community weight management service, Riteweight, sees more than 700 people a year.

“This service, although small in terms of staff, forms a key part of our healthy weight strategy, which looks to tackle obesity by focusing on three areas: early years, making our community better suited to keeping a healthy weight, and weight management services.”