Women accounted for almost three times as many hospital admissions because of obesity than men in Bradford last year, according to new figures.

The Health and Social Care Information Centre shows that nationally, obesity admissions for women were more than twice as high as those for men, but in Bradford the gap was even bigger.

In 2012/13, 137 people in the Bradford and Airedale PCT area were admitted to hospital when the main reason for them needing care was diagnosed as obesity. Of those, 35 were male and 102 were female.

The previous year there were 123 admissions, with 38 of those men and 85 women.

It is thought the reason more women are treated is because they are more likely to seek medical help.

Across England in 2012/13 there were 10,957 patients whose main reason for hospital care was obesity – 2,950 men and 8,007 women.

The HSCIC figures show that hospitals recorded seven per cent fewer admissions with a primary diagnosis of obesity, compared to the previous 12 months.

The report, which brings together several pieces of research, also shows that prescription rate for orlistat – the most commonly prescribed drug item for treating obesity – were the second highest in the Yorkshire and the Humber area.

HSCIC chief executive officer Alan Perkins said: “Obesity has been a public health issue for many years and can increase the risk of disease and long-term illness.

“The past ten years of data show hospitals have dealt with considerably more women for obesity than men and it will be interesting to see if this pattern changes in coming years.”

In 2012, approximately a quarter of the adult population was obese and bariatric surgery procedures were more than three times as common in women than men.

Senior public health manager for Bradford Council Alison Moore said: “There are a wide range of activities that are undertaken by the Council and its strategic partners across the Bradford district aimed at reducing obesity, although nationally there is an increasing problem with the numbers of people who are overweight.

“We provide bariatric surgery for people with a Body Mass Index over 50, along with dietetics provision across the district. There is also a comprehensive provision of community weight management in Bradford as well as a diabetes pathway for those at risk from the disease.

“Through the Bradford District Food strategy, we are working with voluntary organisations who provide a valuable range of food and physical activity sessions that include food co-operatives, food growing activities, healthy luncheon clubs and exercise sessions.

“We also have a physical activity strategy improving people's access to exercise.”