MORE than two thirds of adults in Warrington are overweight or obese, according to latest figures, with cheap food stores being blamed.


Public Health England found adults in the town were second to Halton in a Merseyside and Cheshire obesity table with 70 per cent of adults tipping the scales.


Health and fitness coach Paul Warburton, who runs Warrington Bootcamp, believes the problem is the result of too many discount shops selling frozen food in Warrington and people generally looking for quick-fixes rather than long-term solutions.


The 30-year-old from Fairfield, who is currently looking for four people hoping to lose three to eight stone during an eight-month weight challenge, added: “The figures didn’t surprise me as it’s happening everywhere now because there’s that many conflicting ideas.


“You’ve got slimming clubs, diet clubs, gyms, advice from friends of friends, even hairdressers are pushing weight loss supplements now so it’s no wonder people are getting confused and getting bigger as a result.


“I think more education is needed and a consistent message nationally.


“A lot of people get their priorities wrong on where they spend their money and there are a lot of discount stores in Warrington selling cheap, frozen, processed food that isn’t doing anyone any good.


“It’s not just about losing weight, it’s finding a consistent way to lose weight and my advice to anyone is eat real food including anything that has come out of the ground or walked on the ground.”


Mel Sirotkin, Cheshire and Merseyside centre director at Public Health England, said they would be supporting councils to develop a broad programme of action to reduce levels of excess weight.


She added: “This new data will enable local councils to monitor progress towards the national ambition of achieving a downward trend in excess weight by 2020.


“This latest information will help local authorities to understand the extent of the problem in their area and support their on-going efforts to tackle overweight and obesity and improve the health of their local population.”