Britain is the "fattest" country in Europe, according to a map of the the nation's health published today.

Figures in the The Health Profile of England report show that 24 per cent of people in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are obese, compared with 8 per cent in Italy, 9 per cent in France and 12 per cent in Germany and Spain.

With the rates of obesity in children and adults continuing to rise the UK's place at the top of Europe's fat league looks unlikely to change in the future.

Between 1995 and 2004 the proportion of obese children has risen by more than 40 per cent and in the decade up to 2004 the proportion of obese men has risen by more than 50 per cent and by 36 per cent for women.

The findings in the report show that the proportion of people in England eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day is low and only increasing slowly.

Just over one quarter of people living in London and the South East eat their recommended daily amount of fruit and vegetables which drops to only a fifth or less in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North East.

The report by the Department of Health provides the most comprehensive picture yet of the state of the public’s health and it is hoped that the information will help areas measure their progress in tackling health inequalities and seek help from those performing better.

It shows that there still remains a significant North-South health divide with those living in the North more likely to be obese, die from a smoking-related illness and have a lower life expectancy.

However, on a visit to a community centre in Leyton, East London, Tony Blair said that the divide in the country was more between rich and poor than North and South.

“Most people want to lead healthy and fitter lives ... but they often find it very difficult to access the facilities they need,” he said.

“The Government cannot end up forcing people to lead more healthy lives. It is for us to make our own decisions and exercise responsibility. But all the evidence now shows that even quite small changes in diet and exercise make a major difference to the lives that people lead.”

He said it was important for the NHS to use its resources to encourage people to become healthier. “We have to get away from the idea that health care is just about treating people when they’re sick and encourage people to lead more healthy lives,” he said.

Some areas of the nation's health have improved according to the report which shows that 1.2 million people have stopped smoking since 1998 and that life expectancy has risen for both men and women.

Peter Hollins, chief executive of the British Heart Foundation, said: “The North-South health divide has been a problem for decades and it is concerning that the gap is showing no signs of narrowing.

“The Government’s new health map paints a picture of a country struggling with some serious public health issues in particular areas. If used properly, this local data should motivate Primary Care Trusts and councils to work together with their communities to tackle these problems in a co-ordinated way.

“If the Government is serious about addressing the growing rates of obesity, and we believe it is, it needs to put its money where its mouth is and truly commit to a preventative approach to health.”

TEN HEALTH FACTS

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