Stoke and Wolverhampton have been named as the West Midlands' obesity hotspots, according to new figures.   A "fat map" of the UK, based on statistics from GP practices across the UK, shows that one in ten (10%) patients registered with GPs in the two areas are obese.
Following closely behind are Dudley Primary Care Trust (PCT) where 9.5% of patients are obese, and Walsall Teaching PCT with an obesity level of 9.3%. The area with the smallest proportion of overweight people in the region is Coventry where 6.8% of patients are obese.
The map, created by Dr Foster Research, suggests the problem may be getting worse when compared with similar research 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 map and accompanying report were complied using data from GP practices relating to the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) for 2006/07.
The QOF includes keeping a register of patients aged 16 and over with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or over in the previous 15 months.
Alex Young, senior project manager at Dr Foster Research, said: "We are seeing parts of the outlying regions being affected rather than just urban areas. Urban areas might be dealing with the problem more effectively but in the outlying regions it seems to be getting worse.
"If you look at Liverpool, Sheffield and Bristol, the levels are low. In the outlying areas, health services are maybe less available. In a city, the services are better, such as local access to GPs."
Obesity rates elsewhere in the region were: Sandwell PCT (8.9%); Birmingham East & North PCT (8.7%); Heart Of Birmingham PCT (8.5%); South Staffordshire PCT (8.5%); North Staffordshire PCT (8.4%); Solihull Care Trust (7.8%); South Birmingham PCT (7.8%); Herefordshire PCT (7.6%); Warwickshire PCT (7.5%); Shropshire County PCT (7.3%); Worcestershire PCT (7.2%).