VIOLENT crime, obesity and adults who smoke are just some of the more prevalent problems in Stevenage than in England as a whole, according to new statistics. An NHS Health Profile for the area also reveals that GCSE achievement and adults who eat healthi

VIOLENT crime, obesity and adults who smoke are just some of the more prevalent problems in Stevenage than in England as a whole, according to new statistics.

An NHS Health Profile for the area also reveals that GCSE achievement and adults who eat healthily are below the national average.

However, the health of people is generally slightly better than average.

There are inequalities within the town - men and women from the least deprived areas can expect to live about five years longer than those in the most deprived areas, for instance.

Teenage pregnancies have worsened since last year, and obesity in reception aged children is now significantly worse than the England average.

In North Herts, the health of people is generally significantly better than the national average.

Men in the least deprived parts of North Herts can expect to live more than five years longer than men from the least deprived parts.

Smoking kills about 180 adults every year.

More than one in six adults aged over 65 reports that their health is not good.

In Central Beds, smoking during pregnancy and breast feeding initiation is worse than the national average.

One child in 12 in reception is obese. Obesity is higher in adulthood, with more one in five adults being obese.

In Central Beds, about one adult in five binge drinks.