GOVERNMENT-funded weight loss programmes do cut obesity among women and children in deprived areas, researchers have found.

A Durham University study concluded that tailored weight-loss programmes are effective in tackling obesity, at least in the short term.

But they found programmes had only limited success in helping low income men lose weight.

And they also found there was little evidence that such programmes were effective in the long term.

Study author Professor Carolyn Summerbell, from the university’s School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health, said: “Obesity is a major problem in our society which can lead to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

“It is crucial to find out what works and what doesn’t when it comes to tackling obesity, particularly among groups where the condition is most prevalent”.

She added: “Certain targeted programmes can work in reducing obesity, and importantly, they can also reduce health inequalities between different socio-economic groups.

“This is why we call on Government to increase the number of targeted interventions that have shown to be effective and at the same time, explore ways to achieve long-term positive effects.”

The study examined weight loss programmes among deprived groups in the UK and USA.

Principal investigator Professor Clare Bambra, from Durham University’s Geography Department, said: “Obesity is more common in deprived areas and it is important we find the best ways to reduce these inequalities.

“This review shows there are some success stories in terms of tackling obesity in the short term.

“The good news is that programmes aimed at addressing obesity do not increase inequality, and some actually narrow the inequality gap or reduce obesity amongst deprived groups.”