MORE than half of the adult population in the borough are either overweight or obese, alarming new figures have revealed.

The statistics suggest a hefty 61 per cent of adults in Reading are above the recommended weight. They also state children will be overweight or obese by the time they reach Year Six.

The figures were released as part of a Reading Borough Council campaign to crack down on binge eating and junk food.

Instead, the authority wants residents to focus on eating healthily and getting regular exercise.

A spokesman said: "Almost 30 per cent of Reading’s adult population aren’t achieving even a 30 minute bout of physical activity a week and almost half (45 per cent) aren’t eating the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables each day.

"Obesity can have a significant impact on people’s physical health, emotional wellbeing and reduces life expectancy. Excess weight is strongly linked to a person’s risk of developing serious long-term conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer."

The authority is set to launch a statement on the problem with obesity in Reading, and an action plan has been devised in order to tackle it.

It would include launching both adults and children's weight management services, promoting healthier lifestyles for young people and increasing the number volunteers to lead walking groups in Reading.

A person is considered to be overweight when their Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 25 – 29.9. Anyone who has a BMI between 30 and 34.9 is considered obese.

The national cost of obesity per year is thought to be around £27 billion.

Councillor Graeme Hoskin, Reading’s lead member for health, added: “Obesity in our town, particularly amongst our children and young people, is a real concern and one of our health priorities as a council.

“Obesity reduces life expectancy by an average of 8-10 years – the same as lifelong smoking. We know that in Reading we face a significant challenge to reverse the rising trend in its prevalence. Without action this will have a huge impact on our residents' health, quality of life and continue to burden health and social costs.

“Locally we recognise the severity of obesity and the need to strengthen our efforts to ensure that people who live and work in Reading can choose a healthy, active lifestyle and have the support that they need to be a healthy weight throughout their lives."