Allerdale has overtaken Copeland as the fattest area in the county – and one of the worst in the region.

Three years ago Copeland was named and shamed by a leading health body as being the most overweight borough in the country.

Shocking health figures now show Allerdale tops the list of Cumbrian adults who have excess weight, with 71 per cent of the population fitting in that category with Copeland close behind at 69 per cent.

Commenting on the worrying figures, an Allerdale Council spokeswoman said one of the authority's key priorities is to improve the health and wellbeing of its residents.

"Since the new state-of-the-art swimming pool and leisure centre in Workington opened in September, a wide range of activities have been on offer to the public and we've seen a huge increase in its usage in comparison to the old centre at Moorclose," she said.

"We will continue to work hard to provide as many opportunities as possible to help our communities live healthier lifestyles."

Copeland has been living under the stigma of being branded as the fattest borough for the past three years.

Mayor Mike Starkie said it was "unflattering" to be dubbed the fattest borough in the UK in 2014.

"Although we can't get away from the problem, I'm pleased to see that the tide is starting to turn and we have signed up to the Healthy Weight Declaration to ensure this continues," he said.

“Health and wellbeing is one of our key strategic priorities and, as a member of the Cumbria Public Health Alliance, we are looking at best practice around the country. It’s about education, starting from an early age by going into schools and promoting a healthy eating message."

He added that sporting activities were being made more affordable across the borough.

Out of the 39 districts in the North West, Allerdale was placed as fourth on the list and Copeland was 12th.

The worst area was Halton, in Cheshire, which had 76 per cent.