Scots are second fattest in Britain
Survey shows obesity rates
Published: 15/02/2010
SCOTS are the second fattest people in the UK, a survey revealed today.
People in Scotland have an average body mass index level of 28.4, says a weight-loss organisation.
But with an average body mass index of 28.9 – a figure based on people’s weight to height ratio – the East Midlands tops the Slimming World table.
London has the lowest BMI, with an average of 26.1, ahead of the South East and North East of England which have 26.9.
The figures showed that average BMI across the UK is in the “overweight“ category.
Healthy BMI is classed as 18.5 to 24.9, but a level measured between 25 and 29.9 means a person is regarded as overweight. Obese BMI levels range from 30 to 39.9.
The higher someone’s BMI, the greater the risk of developing life-threatening conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Dr Jacquie Lavin, Slimming World’s head of nutrition and research, said: “Obesity is a national problem, but the causes are often closer to home and most of us recognise that our lifestyle and the environment we live in is partly to blame.”
