HEALTH experts have revealed more than 70 per cent of adults in Sandwell are either overweight or obese.

A Public Health England Active People Survey, which collects self-reported height and weight from adults aged 16 and over, found 70 per cent of adults in Sandwell carried excess weight, with 41 per cent being overweight and 29 per cent obese.

As part of National Obesity Awareness Week, Sandwell public health officers are urging people to make changes to their diets to help make them healthier.

Councillor Preet Gill, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for public health and protection, said: “Obesity is becoming more and more of an issue in Sandwell.

"We are determined to help people tackle this problem. Support is available for Sandwell residents to understand more about obesity and help individuals and families reach their goals."

The council want people to take up free advice and support to help maintain a healthy weight available through Sandwell’s public health team called Healthy Sandwell.

Alongside well-known services like Weight Watchers and weight management programmes from organisations like MyTime Active, that are currently free for people to access through Healthy Sandwell, there are also new schemes available for Sandwell residents like Weigh2GO.

This offers more flexible support for people trying to achieve a healthy weight and maintain it.

Weigh2GO was launched last year (2016) and it allows people to track their weight using smart scales, located across the borough in various settings. People who are registered on the scheme can have their weight data sent straight to their phones or emails, including weight, BMI and body fat percentage.

There is nutritional advice, motivational messages and can join group challenges like the daily step targets.

Sandwell is the first borough in England to offer residents free access to the smart scales.

Cllr Gill said: “Whether you want to understand more about your weight, or you are interested in joining a local exercise class, there is a lot on offer in Sandwell to suit you.

"We need to address weight and our own lifestyles during National Obesity Awareness Week and make changes to our routines.”

People can call Healthy Sandwell Monday to Friday for advice on 0800 011 4656 or email ls@nhs.net.