There are calls for a Newcastle Tax on fast food outlets to help combat the region’s high obesity rate.
A new study has found 58.4 per cent of the region are overweight or obese, while almost 70 per cent don't do enough exercise.
The survey of 2,400 residents also found the rate of type 2 diabetes is 1.6 per cent above the national average at 7 per cent.
Nutrition and Dietetics Professor Claire Collins from the University of Newcastle says the figures are scary and hopes they are awake-up call for local government and food authorities, suggesting a tax on take-away food outlets.
