There has been a "dramatic rise" in deaths in England in which obesity was a contributory factor, figures suggest. 
02-03-2010

Analysis of death certificates by a University of Oxford team found a year-on-year increase in obesity-related deaths between 2000 and 2006.  But there were likely to be many more such deaths where obesity was not recorded, the researchers said.  One public health expert said people often did not realise obesity was linked with many serious conditions.  With thanks to BBc News.  To read the full story go to:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8524510.stm