Shropshire is facing an £80 million-a-year obesity timebomb, county health watchdogs warned today.

Officials at the County Primary Care Trust say 27 per cent of the adult population of Shropshire can be classed as obese – higher than the national average.

The rate of obesity among children starting school is more than 1.5 per cent above national levels.

Health chiefs say diseases triggered by obesity could cost Shropshire’s health service £80 million a year by 2015.

A briefing paper says that UK obesity rates have trebled since 1980 and the economic implications are “immense”.

The report, from the PCT’s public health directorate, says: “By 2050, a seven-fold increase in the direct healthcare costs of overweight and obesity is anticipated, with wider costs to society reaching over £50 billion.

“Locally it is estimated that disease related to overweight and obesity will reach just over £80 million by 2015.”

Dr Kevin Lewis, director of the PCT’s help to change project, said: “Approximately a quarter of our adult population are clinically obese and more than two thirds are overweight.

“We are still on an upward path and if we continue there are some very scary predictions that nine out of 10 people will be obese by 2050.”

Dr Lewis said obese people were at higher risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

“We have to encourage families, adults and children, to take a more careful look at their diet and their physical activity levels.”

The report will be presented to Shropshire Council’s health overview and crime reduction scrutiny committee on Wednesday.

Despite the dire warning, its says that obesity is a solvable problem.

Supporting individuals to achieve and maintain positive lifestyle changes in relation to diet and physical activity is crucial.

The paper outlines various weight management initiatives under way in Shropshire including the Help2Slim programme for adults.

The PCT and partners such as Shropshire Council are also developing a range of services aimed at children.

By Health Correspondent Dave Morris