Obesity epidemic puts 240,000 lives at risk each year

Bulging waistlines are blamed for spiralling rates of Type 2 diabetes. 

About 240,000 people with the condition are diagnosed with heart disease or stroke each year. 

The British Heart Foundation, which conducted the research, said the figure included 23,200 who suffer a heart attack, 31,900 struck by a stroke and 92,800 who develop heart failure. 

Experts last night warned rates of the deadly conditions would rise as the population ages and levels of obesity continue to rocket. 

Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “These estimates are a stark reminder that people living with diabetes are two to three times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke. The tragedy is that often the onset of these conditions can be prevented, while research could lead to new treatments.” 

Latest figures show four million people in the UK are blighted by Type 2 while a further 12 million are said to be at increased risk of the debilitating lifestyle-driven condition. 

The scale of the crisis comes as a helpline receives more than 50 calls a day from worried Britons for advice about the link between diet and the condition. 

Colette Marshall, of charity Diabetes UK, said: “Our counsellors were contacted more than 20,000 times last year by people looking for information and guidance. 

“We’re seeing the number of calls about diet and lifestyle steadily increase, which highlights what a wide and growing issue this is. 

“Questions can range from very broad issues about healthy eating in general to very specific questions about particular types of food and how they might affect someone’s diabetes.”