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Prescriptions for obesity treatments rose by a staggering eight times between 1999 and 2006, new figures show.

While just 127,000 items were prescribed for treating obesity nine years ago, 2006 saw in excess of 1.06 million items prescribed, reflective not only of the higher numbers of people suffering from excess weight, but also a greater willingness on the part of practitioners to treat it medically.

The figures have been published by the Information Centre (IC), a special NHS statistical health authority.

Late last year, Foresight warned that current trends in obesity suggest that 60 per cent of men and 50 per cent of women will be obese by 2050.

Nevertheless, the IC’s "Health Survey for England" found that the healthy eating and exercise messages are getting through, with more people than previously found to be eating the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables each day and taking recommended levels of weekly exercise.

However, social class and income were found to have a key correlation with levels of obesity, poor diet and lack of exercise.

"Marked inequalities in lifestyle and in health continue to exist in England," said Dr Jennifer Mindell of University College London, who led the team which carried out the research for the IC.

"The lower your income, the more likely you are to smoke or be obese, and the less likely to eat sufficient fruit and vegetables or be active enough."

The Insurance Helpline specialises in obtaining cover for people living with obesity.

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 31st, 2008 at 3:03 pm and is filed under Obesity.