Hundreds of people were declared obese last year, prompting health chiefs to warn them they are putting their own long-term health at risk by not exercising enough and eating healthily.

The rising number of obese people is taking its toll on local health services too, with £3.8million now having to be spent each year tackling weight-related problems.

New figures released this month show the number of people in North Somerset putting themselves in danger of ‘life-threatening health problems’ by becoming obese has doubled in the past four years. In 2014-15, 983 people were declared obese after visiting a doctor, hospital or other NHS service – equating to around one per cent of the district’s population in a single year.

The number has risen steadily since 2012, when 407 people were diagnosed, and has left people at a ‘seriously increased’ risk of contracting a range of diseases, according to health bosses.

Mary Backhouse, chief clinical officer for North Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, which is responsible for much of the district’s healthcare, said people had to do more for themselves in order to combat the problem.

She said: “Everyone has a responsibility to take care of their overall health and wellbeing, and maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise is an important part of this.

“In North Somerset we have seen an increase in obesity in all age groups, and being overweight can seriously increase your risk of developing a number of long-term and even life-threatening health problems, these include type two diabetes, heart disease, some types of cancer, back problems, impaired fertility.

“Small changes can have a big impact and it doesn’t need to cost anything – parking 10 minutes further from the office, or getting off the bus one stop earlier, all helps.

“There’s lots of information and advice on NHS Choices and the North Somerset CCG website and you can talk to your GP for advice and support.”

There is also additional support provided by North Somerset Council through its health trainers scheme, which looks to help people to lose weight with individual assistance from professionals.

Natalie Field, the council’s interim director of public health, said: “Our health trainers provide a free and confidential service, offering one-to-one support to help reach personal goals, manage your weight and improve your health and wellbeing.”

To find out more, email health.trainers@n-somerset.gov.uk or call the team on 01934 427661.