This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-43640575

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Obesity-related hospital admissions 'double in four years' Obesity-related hospital admissions 'double in four years'
(about 2 hours later)
Hospital admissions where obesity is a factor have more than doubled in England during the last four years, new figures from NHS Digital suggest.Hospital admissions where obesity is a factor have more than doubled in England during the last four years, new figures from NHS Digital suggest.
There were almost 617,000 appointments in 2016-17 where obesity was either a primary or secondary diagnosis - up from 292,000 in 2012-13.There were almost 617,000 appointments in 2016-17 where obesity was either a primary or secondary diagnosis - up from 292,000 in 2012-13.
Primary diagnoses involve weight-loss treatment, while secondary ones include hip problems and heart attacks.Primary diagnoses involve weight-loss treatment, while secondary ones include hip problems and heart attacks.
Public Health England said it showed obesity was a "significant challenge".Public Health England said it showed obesity was a "significant challenge".
Obesity is linked to a range of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer.Obesity is linked to a range of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
A secondary diagnosis of obesity means it would not be the reason for the admission but a factor that may contribute to the health issue and affect the type of care a patient receives.A secondary diagnosis of obesity means it would not be the reason for the admission but a factor that may contribute to the health issue and affect the type of care a patient receives.
Obesity was the main cause of 10,705 admissions - an 8% increase on the year before - and bariatric surgery appointments increased by 5% to 6,760 over the same period.Obesity was the main cause of 10,705 admissions - an 8% increase on the year before - and bariatric surgery appointments increased by 5% to 6,760 over the same period.
Those aged between 35 and 64 made up 69% of the admissions.Those aged between 35 and 64 made up 69% of the admissions.
Women accounted for 66% of all obesity-related appointments and 77% of bariatric surgeries.Women accounted for 66% of all obesity-related appointments and 77% of bariatric surgeries.
NHS Digital's annual study also highlighted a growing obesity divide between children living in the poorest and richest areas.NHS Digital's annual study also highlighted a growing obesity divide between children living in the poorest and richest areas.
The gap in the percentage of these children who are obese at reception age has increased from 4.5 to 6.8% since 2007-8.The gap in the percentage of these children who are obese at reception age has increased from 4.5 to 6.8% since 2007-8.
But the gap among year six children has grown by more, from 8.5% to 15%.But the gap among year six children has grown by more, from 8.5% to 15%.
The report also found:The report also found:
'Public health crisis''Public health crisis'
Professor Louis Levy, head of nutrition science for Public Health England, said: "These figures show obesity and its associated health risks remain a significant challenge across England. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said the figures showed the "urgency" that was needed to tackle obesity in childhood.
"We're working with industry to make food healthier, we've produced guidance for councils on planning healthier towns and we're delivering campaigns encouraging people to choose healthier food and lead healthier lives. It's taken many years for levels of obesity to reach this point and change will not happen overnight." Its president, Prof Russell Viner, said: "We know that obese children are likely to go on to be obese in adulthood, which can result in serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
"The increase in hospital admissions directly attributed to obesity is an indicator that this impact is already being seen."
Professor Louis Levy, head of nutrition science for Public Health England, said the figures showed obesity remained a "significant challenge" across England.
"It's taken many years for levels of obesity to reach this point and change will not happen overnight," he said.
Professor Jonathan Valabhji, national clinical director for diabetes and obesity at NHS England, said: "We have been clear that the growing obesity crisis sweeping the country is a public health crisis and the evidence backs it up.Professor Jonathan Valabhji, national clinical director for diabetes and obesity at NHS England, said: "We have been clear that the growing obesity crisis sweeping the country is a public health crisis and the evidence backs it up.
"Our own sugar restrictions, the new sugar tax and the NHS diabetes prevention programme are all part of what needs to be a concerted effort to address obesity.""Our own sugar restrictions, the new sugar tax and the NHS diabetes prevention programme are all part of what needs to be a concerted effort to address obesity."
NHS Digital said it was possible that some of the increase in obesity-related admissions may be down to better recording of obesity by doctors on patient notes.NHS Digital said it was possible that some of the increase in obesity-related admissions may be down to better recording of obesity by doctors on patient notes.
The government's sugar tax on sweetened drinks will come into effect on Friday.The government's sugar tax on sweetened drinks will come into effect on Friday.