THE number of obese people in Liverpool surged by the fifth highest amount in England, according to new figures.
In one year, from 2008-9 to 2009-10, the amount of people classed as obese in the city rose by 4,446.
In other areas, the numbers increased by much smaller levels, or even decreased.
Liverpool health chiefs said that campaigns have been introduced across the city to help people eat healthier and lose weight.
Knowsley saw a rise of 738, in St Helens and Halton the figure went up by 1,583 and in Sefton by 1,813.
In Wirral, obesity numbers went down by 852 and in Warrington they decreased by 379.
Dr Paula Grey, director of public health in Liverpool said: “We know we need to encourage people to become more active and eat a healthier diet, and a great deal of work is already being done to tackle these issues.
“There are a number of programmes taking place across the city to enable residents to make and sustain healthy lifestyle choices, which include the Health Trainers service, community based Expert Weight Management Programme, Community Food Workers and EatRight Liverpool initiative.
