A Fat Map revealed yesterday that one in 10 people in the borough were registered obese by their GPs – the second highest number in the region.

But newer statistics now indicate that the figure could be as high as one in four people, meaning a quarter of South Tyneside's adult population are classed as obese.

The map followed a stinging attack by the Conservatives, who said people had no excuse for being fat.

Shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley said overweight people are often armed with a list of excuses to explain their size, with few prepared to take responsibility for their own health.

In a speech entitled 'No Nannying, No Excuse', Mr Lansley said: "People need to know the buck stops with them. They can't shuffle off the responsibility. This sounds hard, but it need not be."

The figures highlight that North East England once again has the highest rates of obesity, with 9.7 per cent of people in the borough classed as overweight.

Nationally, this places South Tyneside 24th out of 189 primary care trusts, with the Shetlands in Scotland being the most obese place to live in the UK.

However, the report's authors claimed the real numbers could be even higher with the figures based on information from doctors – and this appears to be the case.

Community profiles – which take an estimation of the borough's obesity levels – indicate that South Tyneside's stands at 24.2 per cent, compared to the national average of 21.8 per cent.

Marc Hopkinson, a public health leader on obesity for south of Tyne and Wear, said: "While these figures are an estimation, it would be fair to say they provide a more accurate representation of the obesity problems we face.

"Not everyone visits their doctor, and that's why the latest results only stand at one in 10 people being obese.

"In reality it's far more, and the community profiles take this into consideration and account for a number of factors."

Marietta Evans, acting director of public health, admits there is a weight problem in the borough, but measures have been put in place to try to combat the issue.

She said: "South Tyneside's obesity rates are higher than the national average. We are now also measuring the body mass index of children when they start and leave primary school, so that we can provide suitable interventions at an early stage.

"Being overweight or obese is associated with a number of key health problems including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as musculo-skeletal conditions like knee or back problems.

"Tackling obesity has been identified as a key priority for South Tyneside Primary Care Trust (PCT), South Tyneside Council and key partner organisations."

She added: "South Tyneside PCT has invested nearly £1m in programmes to support adults to lose weight, be more physically active and eat more healthily. The majority of these programmes will be offered at a range of venues in the community.

"We have also commissioned specialised support programmes for people who have difficulty losing weight, and have increased the number of surgical interventions available."

Despite the criticism from the Conservatives, many people believe that being fat isn't always a case of over-eating.

Mark Sehman, from South Shields, has had his weight loss charted in the Gazette over the last year as he battles to reach a healthier weight in memory of his grandfather, 85-year-old Ronnie Fontaine.

The 37-year-old, who is currently at 30 stone, has dropped more than four stones in recent months as he curbed his binge eating and drinking habits, which were spurred on by grief.

But despite making a personal decision to get fit, Mr Sehman says he is offended by Mr Lansley's speech.

He said: "I know many overweight people blame all sorts of things, but sometimes this is the case and it can't be helped.

"It's unfair to label everyone like that. Not everyone is meant to be stick thin.

"My weight loss has slowed down recently due to water problems, and that wasn't my fault.

"I think the size you are is also determined by your genetics, that's why some people can seem to eat and eat yet never gain a pound, while others end up overweight."

Coun David Potts, leader of the Conservatives on South Tyneside Council believes the readiness and availability of junk food is a factor which isn't helping the borough's obesity levels.

He said: "I'm reluctant to comment on the matter because I'm no slim Jim myself.

"But to some degree, as peoples' working lives become more demanding, it's often tempting to visit fast food outlets and purchase unhealthy foods."

He added: "However, these days it's easier than ever before to eat healthily. Society has changed, and people have far more choice of the food stuffs they purchase for their families."