LOCAL obesity rates are among the worst in the area, a study has found.

Nearly two-thirds (65.6 per cent) of adults in Slough are overweight or obese, according to Public Health England (PHE), the highest rate in the Thames Valley. The nearby towns of Windsor and Maidenhead, on the other hand, had the lowest rates in the region, with 52.2 per cent of adults suffering from weight issues. Across the whole Thames Valley, the average rate is 57.1 per cent.

On the back of these findings, Public Health England, has launched it’s ‘One You’ campaign, that aims to promote simple tips to ensure adults have a more balanced calorie intake. The campaign is promoting the 400-600-600 formula – 400 calories for breakfast, then 600 for lunch and dinner.

Angela Baker, deputy director of health and wellbeing for PHE South East, said: “It’s clear that excess calories are driving weight gain for many. Busy lives and too much food mean we’re often eating more food than we realise – especially when we’re grabbing food out and about. This can have a significant impact on our waistlines and our health.”

Major retailers like Greggs, Starbucks, McDonalds and Subway have thrown their support behind the new scheme, with the companies pledging to ensure that healthy meals of under 400 and 600 calories are clearly displayed across all their outlets.

Ms Baker said: “It’s encouraging to see major high street companies promoting lower calorie options and we hope more will follow suit.”