The statistics show the number of anti-obesity drugs and smoking cessation treatments handed out by NHS Fife have soared during the past decade.

The health board said the figures showed more people were taking positive steps to improve their health.

In 2007/08 NHS Fife prescribed 25 times the number of drugs to treat obesity in the over 12s compared to 1998/99, rising to an all-time high of 8409.

The cost of anti-obesity drugs increased by over 29 times, from just over £12,600 at the start of the decade to over £376,000 last year.

The prescriptions include three drugs introduced to the NHS to combat obesity - Orlistat, which inhibits the absorption of fat and appetite suppressants, Sibutramine and Rimonabant.

NHS Fife was also revealed to be one of the biggest prescribers of such drugs, with only two other Scottish health boards prescribing more in proportion to population, while it is also the third biggest spender on the treatments per head.

Smoking cessation treatments have also risen dramatically, from almost 2800 in 2000, to almost 26,000 last year, costing a record £868,000.

Only three other health boards had prescribed more last year in proportion to population.

Fife's prescriptions for both anti-obesity and smoking treatments were higher than the Scottish national average.

A spokesman for NHS Fife said there was no evidence that adults in Fife were significantly more obese than elsewhere in Scotland.

"The evidence of higher prescribing in general practice is seen as a positive indication that general medical practitioners are actively seeking to manage patients who are overweight," she said.

"The prescription of anti-obesity drugs is most effective when part of a broader weight management approach and NHS Fife is currently reviewing progress on Fife's Healthy Weight Strategy with the intention of expanding our capacity to deliver weight management programmes.

"The evidence of higher prescribing for smoking cessation drugs is also seen as a positive indication that smokers are actively seeking to stop smoking.

"NHS Fife smoking cessation services can help if anyone wants to stop smoking.

''The first step is getting in touch and to use these services you need to be registered with a GP in Fife."
Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland said there had been a signifcant drop in the number of people developing heart disease in recent years, some of which could be attributed to preventative work tackling primary health problems such as obesity and smoking.

Louise Peardon, deputy director of advice and support, said: "We actively promote the primary prevention of health problems through the use of treatments as necessary.

"Maintaining a healthy weight and stopping smoking are two of the key lifestyle factors, which along with regular exercise can reduce your chance of developing heart disease."

In 2007/08 NHS Fife prescribed 25 times the number of drugs to treat obesity in the over 12s compared to 1998/99, rising to an all-time high of 8409. The cost of anti-obesity drugs increased by over 29 times, from just over £12,600 at the start of the decade to over £376,000 last year.