A 'FAT' map of the UK today revealed more than one in 10 residents in parts of South Yorkshire are obese - making the county one of the most overweight in the country.
In Doncaster and Barnsley one in 10 adults are so heavy they are putting their health at risk, according to health organisation Dr Foster Research.
In Rotherham 9.2 per cent of adults fall into the dangerously overweight category.
But Sheffield is bucking the regional trend with 6.7 per cent of adults classified as obese.
The data is taken from GP practices across the UK and based on assessments of patients over 16.
The information has been used to compile a 'fat map' showing how obesity rates vary across the country.
Being dangerously overweight causes serious health problems and can lead to premature death.
Jeremy Wight, Sheffield Primary Care Trust director of public health, said: "For nearly seven per cent of the adult population to be obese is too much and it is a major health issue.
"People who are obese have higher levels of heart disease, strokes, premature death and depression - it is not a good thing to be obese."
He said patients needed to be encouraged to fit exercise into their daily routine - for example by walking to work.
Eating more fruit and vegetables and less sugary and fatty foods is also beneficial.
Dr Wight said it was unclear why Sheffield was bucking the regional trend but part of the reason could be because people had to use more energy to get around because of the city's hills.
Policies to encourage healthy eating and to persuade more people to exercise as part of their daily life were also having an effect.
Carol Weir, Rotherham Primary Care Trust public health specialist, said millions of pounds were being targeted towards tackling obesity.
But she warned the fat map data didn't reflect the full extent of weight problems in Rotherham with NHS figures showing 57 per cent were overweight or obese.
The PCT plans to offer 'lifestyle classes' to thousands of adults from next January to help address the issue.
Dr Paul Redgrave, Barnsley director of public health, said they recognised the town had an obesity problem.
He said 55 schemes were in place to help residents learn how to manage their weight.
Estimates from 2002 show those who are overweight or obese cost the economy £7 billion in treatment, benefits, loss of earnings and reduced productivity. By 2050, this figure could be £50 billion - almost half the NHS's yearly budget.
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