Hospital admissions for obesity rise in York, figures show

City of York Council’s health boss said the city is facing “an increasing health issue” as around two thirds of adults no longer fall into ‘healthy weight’ categories.

The problem mirrors the national picture with the number of hospital admissions across England rising.

New NHS Digital figures show obesity was the primary or secondary cause of around 6,690 hospital admissions for patients in York in the 2023 financial year.

This was up from the year before, when there were around 6,200 admissions.

Nationally, admissions have increased eight per cent since last year, when there were 1.1 million recorded.

Helen Kirrane, head of policy and campaigns at Diabetes UK, said obesity is a "major risk factor" in developing diabetes, which is also rising rapidly.

She called for greater investment in weight management treatment, and prioritising weight loss medication for those most in need.

Peter Roderick, the council’s director of public health, said it was important to address the issue of obesity in York.

He said a major factor that contributes to obesity is excess calorie consumption, “and the fact that half of our calories now come from ultra processed foods”.

Given this, Mr Roderick said, the council is “taking action” to encourage healthier food and nutritional options in schools, and providing cookery classes in nutrition education.

He added that the authority has “ended the promotion of foods high in fat, salt and sugar, and we’re developing plans to shape healthier food environments in the future”.

“We’re working with partners across the city to help support everyone to adopt a health approach to nutrition, to consider portion sizes carefully, to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and reduce the portions of non-nutritious ultra-processed foods in their diet.”

Mr Roderick said the council is also offering support for residents to get more active, including through its Health Trainer service.

“Whilst physical activity isn’t an immediate solution, getting more active can be a great way to improve your health and wellbeing,” he explained.

Mayor joins campaign to ban outdoor junk food adverts

Earlier this month the Government confirmed it will introduce legislation to ban companies advertising products deemed high in fat, salt and sugar on TV before 9pm.

Nine regional mayors, including the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, have also backed a campaign by Jamie Oliver to outlaw junk food advertising – like on bus and train services – to tackle childhood obesity.

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire (Image: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority) David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “I have recently spoken to experts in this field about the impact rising rates of children who are obese is having on their ability to learn. They paint a stark picture.

“Almost a quarter of children leaving primary school are obese and there is an incredibly worrying increase in the number of children with Type 2 diabetes.

“We must do all we can to reverse these trends and ensure children in York and North Yorkshire are given the best possible start in life."

Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central, said: “We must recognise that some people need support to improve their diet and exercise and we need services which can easily encourage people make these changes.

“I urge that there is a strong multi-agency approach, including with the food and leisure industries, to help in this endeavour.”

Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central (Image: Supplied) The Labour MP noted plans by McDonald’s to open a new restaurant in Fulford, saying: “When I see companies like McDonald’s, who I recently met, bidding to set up a major restaurant in Fulford, not least in close proximity to a number of schools, I am deeply disturbed that this will entrench the problem, not provide a solution.

“From planning to health, hospitality to leisure, all must work closely to end this obesity crisis here and across the country.”

A McDonald's spokesperson previously said: "We are excited about the opportunity to open a new restaurant in York and look forward to working with the council and local residents to address any concerns."

• McDonald's argues case for new restaurant in Fulford Road

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "This country has failed to tackle the obesity crisis, harming people’s health and costing the NHS billions of pounds.

"This government is urgently tackling the obesity crisis head on – shifting our focus from treatment to prevention – to ease the strain on our NHS and helping people to live well for longer.

"This includes restricting junk food advertising on TV and online, empowering councils to block the development of new fast-food shops outside of schools, and banning the sale of energy drinks to under 16s."