NEW figures reveal that 65 per cent of Borderers are overweight – but that is still lower than the national average.

According to the Scottish Health Study, 67 per cent of Scots are overweight with 30 per cent obese and a further four per cent classed as morbidly obese.

The areas of Scotland with the highest rates of obesity have been revealed in the new data, with more than a third of the population obese.

To be classed as obese, a person’s body mass index (BMI) must be over 30, compared to the healthy BMI range from 18.5 to 24.9.

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Following the government figures, digital health service Now Patient has identified where the ‘obesity capitals’ of Scotland are, listing the top 10 areas.

The Borders is just outside the top 10 – in 11th place.

The research showed that the top spot is shared by two areas – East Ayrshire and the Orkney Islands – with 75 per cent of adults classed as either overweight or obese.