People in west London are among the slimmest in the country, latest figures reveal.

Kensington and Chelsea is home to the least number of overweight or obese adults, according to latest statistics released by Public Health England (PHE).

Only 45.9 per cent of residents were overweight, in contrast to Hillingdon, where more than two-thirds of adults were – the most in London.

Hammersmith and Fulham and Westminster were also in the top 10 slimmest boroughs nationally, with 49.7 and 52.6 per cent of residents respectively deemed overweight. But PHE warned that even in areas with the lowest prevalence of overweight people, the levels were still ‘worryingly high’.

The organisation said obesity is a complex issue influenced by a variety of issues, including social, economic and age factors.

Overweight or obese people are more likely to develop type two diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. It can also affect self-esteem and mental health and costs the NHS more than £5billion a year.

Dr Yvonne Doyle, London regional director at PHE, said: “There is no silver bullet to reducing obesity. It is an issue that requires action at national, local, family and individual level.

“PHE is working in partnership with local authorities and others to develop a broad programme to tackle obesity.”

Commenting on the figures, Councillor Mary Weale, Kensington and Chelsea’s lead cabinet member for health, said: “While I am very pleased that percentages of overweight and obese adults in Kensington and Chelsea are the lowest in the country it is not yet time to celebrate.

“The fact is that close to 60,000 people in the borough are overweight or obese means that too many of our residents will still miss out on more good years of health because of preventable disease.

“We’re working hard to tackle public health concerns like obesity. Current initiatives include building a brand new leisure centre in North Kensington and refurbishing the Chelsea Sports Centre.”