A DOCTOR warned today of an "obesity epidemic" sweeping our region.

The comments from York GP David Fair came in the wake of a new major lifestyle report, which showed that almost one in four people in Yorkshire and Humberside is obese.

In addition, smoking remained a major cause of ill health, 42 per cent of the population was "inactive" and the region has the second highest rate of recorded crime in England and Wales.

Progress in the Region 2005, produced by Yorkshire Futures on behalf of Yorkshire Forward, and the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly, stated between 2000 and 2002, 22.4 per cent of the region was classed as obese - a 2.8 per cent rise since 1998- 2000.

The trend is thought to have continued since 2002. This means that up to 40,544 people in York could be obese.

Up to 168,177 people could be classed as obese in North Yorkshire, and throughout Yorkshire and Humber, it could affect 1,120,000.

Dr Fair, of Jorvik Medical Practice, said although obesity was a national problem, he had noticed the increase locally.

He said: "It is very worrying, particularly obesity in the younger age groups. Evidence shows fat babies grow into fat children who grow into fat adults. We need to target the diet and activity levels of children; if they can learn to have healthy habits at school then that's likely to help them maintain healthy lifestyles and eating when they're older."

Dr Fair said there was a "sub-population" of people who were difficult to reach and advise on lifestyle issues. He said: "I think most people are aware of the health risks of smoking and eating too much, and do something about it because they care about their own health. But there are a small number of people who don't go to the doctor very often and don't take care of their health, especially those who think they can get away with it.

"The Government can have influence on them at school, but when they're young adults it's difficult for the Government to enforce any behavioural influence on them."

Dr Fair said City of York Council should "pat themselves on the back" for promoting cycling in the region.

He suggested the Government could subsidise gym membership to encourage people to exercise.

The 196-page document was discussed at a conference at the Royal Armouries in Leeds.

Updated: 09:42 Tuesday, November 29, 2005