Obesity listed as cause of death for 198 Scots

Almost 200 people died last year because they were obese, according to Scottish Government figures.

Official statistics show there were 198 deaths registered in Scotland during 2010 in which obesity was either the underlying cause or one of the contributing factors.

A report published last month showed more than a quarter of adults are obese, costing Scotland’s health service more than £450 million each year.

The Scottish Health Survey revealed that 27 per cent of Scots aged 16-64 were obese in 2010, continuing the upward trend from just 17 per cent in 1995.

About 65 per cent of adults are measured as overweight or obese, the document showed.

The survey, produced for the Scottish Government, predicted obesity rates could reach 40 per cent by 2030, with the cost to the NHS rising to more than £3 billion. The figures on obesity deaths were published following a question from Liberal Democrat health spokeswoman Alison McInnes.

She said: “Obesity is a ticking timebomb that is in danger of exploding on the SNP’s watch.

“Almost 200 deaths last year were recorded as being caused by obesity. These are avoidable deaths and more effort must be put into tackling obesity.”

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon has said £7.5 million will be spent in the next three years to encourage healthy eating.