Almost one in ten people in Hastings and Rother is obese, according to a "fat map" of the UK, compiled by health researchers Dr Foster.

The map shows that 8.7 per cent of patients registered with GPs in the primary health care trust (PCT) area have a body mass index (BMI) of over 30, classing them as obese.

Hastings and Rother is in the worst four in the South East region for obesity, preceded only by the Isle Of Wight, Medway, and Bexley.

In the UK, Shetland has been classed as the worst area for obesity, with 15.5 per cent of patients classed as obese, but it is the first time that an area in Sussex has been listed as an obesity hotspot on the updated map.

Comparatively, in East Sussex Downs and Weald PCT 6.6 per cent are classed as obese, in Brighton and Hove City PCT area, that number drops to just five per cent of patients, and in West Sussex PCT, 6.2 per cent.

A spokesman for Hastings and Rother PCT said: "Reducing the number of people who are overweight is one of the PCT's main priorities, and we have a number of initiatives underway to help people improve their diet and do more physical activity.

"One example is the Health Trainer Service which is about to be introduced and involves people from local communities who have been trained to actively support people who want a healthier lifestyle.

"Increasing physical activity and improving diet are two areas they'll be able to advise on by giving real practical support such as attending a gym class together or going shopping for healthier foods."

Alex Young, senior project manager at Dr Foster, said: "We need to wait a few more years before we can say definitely that things are getting worse but there does seem to be a growing problem in some areas.

"We are seeing parts of the outlying regions being affected rather than just urban areas."