OBESITY is costing the Plymouth healthcare service more than £68 million a year, according to leading health experts from UCP Marjon.

Over-eating is also predicted to cost the Plymouth health service £76 million a year by 2015 as obesity continues to grow.

Neil Damerell, associate lecturer in health and exercise and physical activity at UCP Marjon, said: "As we have begun to eat more and move less, so have our waist lines, but unfortunately in the wrong direction. Gaining or losing weight is simply the amount of energy we consume (food) minus energy expended (exercise) equals plus energy stored (fat). Therefore, over time if we burn more than we consume we lose weight or if we eat more than we burn we gain weight."

However despite this balancing act only 18.6 per cent of people in Plymouth are taking part in at least 30 minutes of moderately vigorous activity three times a week.

Coupled with an increase in calorie dense foods like burgers, sweets and fizzy drinks, obesity in Plymouth has become an ever growing concern.

Also 33.7 per cent of youngsters in their last year of primary school now overweight or obese and 25.1 per cent of children in their reception year.

Also with an increased risk of stroke, cancer, diabetes and coronary heart disease, Devon has also seen obesity surgery more than double between 2008 and 2011, clearly highlighting that obesity in Plymouth and the surrounding areas is still a major cause for concern.

Neil Damerell, from UCP Marjon, continued: "With small lifestyle changes, like eating smaller portion sizes, swapping sweets for fruit, cooking from scratch and increasing our portions of fresh vegetables at each meal can all help.

"Helping you to lose weight while boosting your health and vitality for life!"

UCP Marjon offer a variety of classes for any Plymouth residents hoping to lose weight.

Activities such as aerobics, body combat, group cycle and Latin dance based Zumba classes are available to get the heart rate pumping, body pump can improve muscle definition and strength, and more steady paced activities such as yoga and pilates are available for toning and flexibility.

Anna Hughes, Sports Programme Manager for UCP Marjon, said: "Adult fitness classes are a great way to get fit and get in shape and at UCP Marjon Sport there is something for all ages and abilities to try. Exercising in a group environment is a great motivator and also a chance to socialise!"

Basic health checks are also available at UCP Marjon for £15 which includes a body composition analysis, cholesterol measurement, blood pressure and resting heart rate, aerobic fitness testing and a comprehensive follow up report showing your results and our training recommendations.

Dawn Tighe, Sport and Health Science Officer, said: "If you are concerned about your current health, fitness or cholesterol levels this test will give you all the information you need and recommendations for how to improve your health and fitness."