LESS people in Liverpool are fat than in many other places in the UK, according to a new study.

A new “fat map” of the UK published today shows lower levels of obesity in the city compared with many towns in the Midlands, Wales, North East and parts of the South East.

The map, created by Dr Foster Research and based on Primary Care Trust (PCT) areas, shows Liverpool ranks 113 in the UK for obesity prevalence, while Sefton’s levels stand even lower, with a ranking of 117.

Halton and St Helens had the highest rate in Merseyside with a ranking of 23rd and Wirral came in at 60th highest in the country.

In some parts of the country the map suggests the problem may be getting worse when compared with a similar map published two years ago.

Although different methodology was used, researchers said the 2008 map is now revealing pockets of obesity in previously unexpected areas.

The data, from GP practices across the UK, shows that more than one in 10 patients registered with GPs in some parts of the country are obese.

The Shetland Isles has the highest proportion of obesity, with 15.5% of patients being obese, closely followed by many parts of Wales.

Alex Young, senior project manager at Dr Foster Research, said: “If you look at Liverpool, Sheffield and Bristol, the levels are low.

“Urban areas might be dealing with the problem more effectively but in the outlying regions it seems to be getting worse - places like Newport, Plymouth, St Davids, Stockport.

“There’s also a certain amount of social stigma attached to being obese, it may be that these obese people are not going to see their GP.

“However, we need to bear in mind that some PCTs are better at recording the data than others.”

The results follow several initiatives this year by Liverpool PCT to reduce obesity in the city and encourage healthy eating, especially by children and the trust still sees weight as a serious health issue.

Government figures suggest that two-thirds of adults and a third of children are either overweight or obese.

This could rise to almost nine in 10 adults and two-thirds of children by 2050, putting them at serious risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

lizawilliams