Too fat? Not us, say half of Wolverhampton city residents
More than half of Wolverhampton residents classed as overweight or obese think they are about the right weight, according to the biggest lifestyle survey ever conducted in the city.
The finding was among a series of shocking statistics unearthed by the Public Health Lifestyle Survey which quizzed more than 9,000 people.
One councillor says it shows that too many people in Wolverhampton cannot be bothered to lead healthy lifestyles, while another says the survey proves that the city has reached breaking point on health.
A total of 55 per cent of residents are considered overweight or obese, 51 per cent of whom thought they had no weight problems.
The survey showed that only a quarter of residents eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, with 16 to 19-year-olds found to be least likely to eat five-a-day.
More than one in five – 22 per cent – of residents smoke, a third of whom say they have no interest in kicking the habit, while only one in 10 people described themselves as vigorously active.
A total of 56 per cent of respondents said they felt they did not do enough exercise. Nearly one in five people were found to booze at high risk levels.
Labour councillor Milkinder Jaspal said: "Too many people in the city cannot be bothered to even attempt to lead a healthy lifestyle, yet they still expect to be a priority when they are using health services.
"This needs to change because residents' poor health choices are putting a huge financial strain on the council."
Councillor Udey Singh, the Tory health spokesman, said: "The figures are absolutely dreadful, although not entirely surprising.
"Poor health is an ongoing trend in Wolverhampton and it doesn't seem that the Labour administration is doing anything to change unhealthy lifestyles.
"As far as health goes we have reached breaking point in Wolverhampton."
Councillor Paul Sweet, cabinet member for public health and well-being, said the findings will be used by organisations, including schools and GPs, to ensure people are given the right health options.
Last year a five-year-plan was passed by Wolverhampton Council aimed at tackling the city's obesity crisis.
