THAT Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust has budgeted £695,000 to treat obesity this financial year will amaze many — especially when the figure was just £88,000 two years ago.

The eight-fold increase is further evidence we are getting fatter and, as a result, more reliant on the NHS to sort the problem out.

It’s nothing short of embarrassing.

We have heard of all kinds of stomach surgery being undertaken as a drastic measure to help people shed weight — or risk ending up in an early grave.

But the problem is not the NHS, the Government or the food on offer — it’s about the individual.

Gill Jackson of Slimming World is one of those amazed at the PCT’s budget.

Her advice — to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables and exercise regularly — is hardly rocket science, but it’s true.

Perhaps people should think about that before they gorge themselves on chocolate this weekend.