LIFE expectancy will drop dramatically in Havering unless the borough's obesity problem is tackled now, it has been warned.
Private healthcare firm BMI is urging residents to stop yo-yo dieting, eat properly and exercise regularly in order to become fitter, happier and ultimately healthier.
At current rates, it is estimated that more than 85 per cent of adults in Havering will be obese by 2050.
Obesity can lead to many health complications, including diabetes and heart disease.
According to research by the Department of Health, 27.3 per cent of Havering residents were classified obese in 2012, which is above the national average of 24.2 per cent and the London average of 20.7 per cent.
Separate research by BMI has found that 74 per cent of Havering residents are either obese or know someone who could be classed as obese.
The study also found that 65 per cent of residents had been on an unsuccessful diet, while 75 per cent said that they had dieted in the past but then put the weight back on.
Obesity is most prevalent in the less affluent wards of Gooshays, Heaton and South Hornchurch.
Healthcare professionals believe that four deaths from obesity-related cancer and eight deaths from heart disease and strokes could be prevented in the borough each year if the level of obesity was reduced by 5 per cent.
Likewise, the proportion of physically active adults has decreased from 9.4 per cent in 2008 to seven per cent in 2012.
Obesity expert Mr Kesava Mannur, who practices at BMI Healthcare, said: "The simple fact is that dieting is not a long-term solution to maintaining a healthy weight.
"When it comes to weight, the core problem is the imbalance between the energy we take into our body through eating and the energy which is used through physical activity.
"Healthy eating and regular exercise are the best tools we have to tackle this epidemic, yet unfortunately for many people the message simply isn't getting through."
Obesity carries with it other health risks such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, arthritis and cancer.
"All of these conditions that occur as a direct result of obesity are serious and can dramatically shorten a person's life expectancy," Mr Mannur added.
"As a nation, and as parents, we all need to wise up and become more aware of the food we are eating and the energy we are expending through exercise.
"Improving the health of people in Havering is a key priority and that is why I am encouraging residents to get tough on obesity and ditch their yo-yo dieting habits."
