A new “fat map” of the UK published today shows high levels of obesity in the Midlands, Wales, North East and parts of the South East.

The map, created by Dr Foster Research, suggests the problem may be getting worse when compared with a similar map published two years ago. Although different methodology was used, researchers said the 2008 map is now revealing pockets of obesity in previously unexpected areas.

The data, from GP practices across the UK, shows that more than one in 10 patients registered with GPs in some parts of the country are obese.

Hotspots include Wrexham where 9.1 per cent of patients registered with their GP are obese, while Powys also has one of the highest rates at 9.80 per cent.

The Telford & Wrekin Primary Care Trust area figures 71st on a list of 188 with a figure of 8.10 per cent.

Shropshire County PCT at 7.30 per cent is rated 119th nationally.The Shetland Isles has the highest proportion, with 15.5 per cent of patients being obese

Both the Shropshire trusts are putting a lot of effort into reducing levels of overweight and obesity with a strong focus on safeguarding children’s health.

Earlier this year the Shropshire Children’s Trust adopted childhood obesity as one of its key priorities to tackle.

In Telford, the award-winning “Why Wait” programme aims to teach whole families how to change their eating and exercise habits to help their children lose weight.

Alex Young, senior project manager at Dr Foster Research, said: “We need to wait a few more years before we can say definitely that things are getting worse but there does seem to be a growing problem in some areas.”

Government figures suggest that two-thirds of adults and a third of children are either overweight or obese in the UK.

This could rise to almost nine in 10 adults and two-thirds of children by 2050.

Estimates from 2002 show that people who are overweight or obese cost the economy £7 billion in treatment, benefits, loss of earnings and reduced productivity. By 2050, this figure could be £50 billion.