NEW figures have revealed Hillingdon to have one of the worst obesity problems in London.
More than one in five residents in the borough are classified as obese- 21 per cent in total.
This makes Hillingdon the seventh fattest in London- and in west London, only Hounslow has a higher rate.
The figures have been published by the Equality Commission, who claim that if a rich-poor divide was reduced, the obesity rate could be slashed by nine per cent.
Professor Kate Pickett, report author said: "We worked out how much life could improve if the incomes of rich and poor were closer together in the UK.
"Not only is life better for poorer people, even the rich benefit, for example from higher life expectancy, better mental health, and lower crime rates."
Only recently, the borough's healthy eating strategy has come under fire after it emerged the council had banned ice cream vans from trading outside schools.
Angry residents have since been writing into the Gazette, complaining that the rules are simply an attack on small traders, and little is being done to tackle the rows of fast food joints across Hillingdon.
However, the local authority will point to an investment of £45 million in two new state-of-the-art leisure centres, in Uxbridge and Hayes- with the Botwell centre scheduled to open this summer.
Joint working to tackle obesity is undertaken by the local authority and NHS Hillingdon. The problem costs an estimated £4.2 billion a year nationally.
NHS Hillingdon last month launched a 'MEND' programme aimed at overweight children aged five to 13, which encourages healthy lifestyle choices and 'get fit' activities.
A Healthy Hillingdon programme also directly aims to tackle the health inequalities across the borough, and presents awards to schools which have nutritional meals and outdoor activities.
In January a road show was also held at The Chimes Shopping Centre as part of a drive to get over 50s exercising whether it be swimming, cycling or simply gardening.
New research has also shown Hillingdon to be the fourth worst borough in London for 'cycle-friendliness' as only 11 per cent of properties have specific bike storage.
To counter this, Hillingdon was recently the beneficiary of a £250,000 grant from the Mayor of London to improve cycling facilities across the borough.
• Are there too many fast food outlets in Hillingdon? Is enough being done to tackle obesity? How would you solve inequality? E-mail dancoombs@trinitysouth.co.uk with your views...
