MORE than half of Bolton’s population is overweight or obese, new figures have revealed.

Data released by Public Health England shows 60.1 per cent of adults in Bolton are living with “excess weight” — meaning a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 25.

But Bolton does have one of the lowest rates compared to other boroughs in Greater Manchester.

Oldham had the highest rate with 69.6 per cent and Trafford had the lowest with 59.7 per cent.

Bolton health chiefs say the figure is too high and they will continue to tackle the problem.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: ”We are pleased Bolton has one of the lowest levels of people who are overweight or obese in Greater Manchester and the North West.

"However, the levels are still too high and we are working hard with our partners to help drive these levels down.

"We aim to offer all Bolton residents the best start in life by establishing healthy eating and physical activity behaviours.

"This includes support for breastfeeding, Happy Healthy Toddler clubs, work with Bolton’s early years settings and through the Healthy Schools Programme.

“Also, as a large proportion of the population is overweight or obese we provide effective services tailored for their needs.”


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By 2020, experts predict about 20,000 people in Bolton will have diabetes. The total is now 17,588.

Childhood obesity rates in Bolton dropped for the first time last year.

Some 20.7 per cent of year six children are now obese compared to 21.2 per cent the previous year.