The claim from Wrexham Council came after the town was brandished eighth highest in the UK for obesity, according to statistics put together by a research group.

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The local authority's strategic director Phil Walton said the causes were complex, and the council was doing all it could to ensure the issue was properly tackled.

He said: "Obesity is recognised as one of the most significant contributory factors to coronary heart disease, diabetes and other causes of premature death and long term ill-health.

"However, the causes of obesity are complex and action has generally been targeted at the individual level with programmes of diet and exercise, and while these may have some benefit, they have made little impact on halting the rise of obesity.

"There is a growing awareness that often success for the individual is short-lived with many finding it difficult to know what action is appropriate in the prevention of obesity.

"In recognising the complexities of the issue, Wrexham Council in partnership with the NHS are taking a strategic approach which adopts the best available evidence and provides support across all age groups to achieve the best chance of success.

"This work includes the delivery of a comprehensive strategy to increase the number of children who are breastfed.

"Children who are breastfed are significantly less likely to suffer from obesity in childhood and later life and therefore less likely to have heart disease, diabetes and other conditions associated with obesity."

More than one in ten of the county's residents are obese according to data compiled by Dr Foster Research.

The data, from GP practices across the UK, shows that more than one in 10 patients registered with GPs in the county are obese.

Cllr Joan Lowe, lead member for health and social care said: "To help reduce obesity and support better health, the school and its partners will work together to create a supportive environment enabling pupils to make informed choices about what they eat.

"It is also vital the same message about food is communicated throughout the school day, from the curriculum to the food provided in school and at home."

Does Wrexham deserve its fat town image or have the findings been blow out of proportion?

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