Almost a third of people tested at a health care were found to be clinically obese, according to figures just released.

Last month Argus Insurance held its third annual Health Fair, which was themed: 'You are what you eat' and offered screening services for the public. Gerald Simons, president and CEO of Argus Group revealed yesterday that of the 335 people tested, 124 had Body Mass Index's (BMI) more than 30 which means they are clinically obese.

A person's BMI measures both their height and weight to give a clearer picture of their weight problem. Mr. Simons said actions like their health fair and initiatives like the Live Healthy Bermuda Challenge could help fight obesity which leads to multiple diseases and lower the cost to the Island.

He said: "The Department of Health and the medical profession are concerned about the health of the people in Bermuda.

"One way to try to improve things is to first assist people in knowing their numbers. Second being educated on the implication of those numbers and third knowing how to improve those numbers. The Health Fair makes an effort in those areas. We were very pleased we could make this service available with the help of the Bermuda Hospital's Board and the Department of Health.

"There are a number of diseases associated with obesity. That's why health professionals focus on obesity so intently."

At the health fair other screenings included: 209 people with high blood pressure (140/90 Hg or above), 76 with high blood sugar (blood glucose more than 110 mg/dl) and 78 had high cholesterol (over 200mg/dl).

Once the 335 people had been tested they were then able to have a consultation with a physician on-sight who could explain what the numbers meant.

Also there to help give guidance for change to help improve their numbers were the numerous stands, which featured groups on the Island in the health community.

One person who had her numbers checked was Andrea Webb, 42, who found out she was actually three years older then her biological age and had high blood pressure.

This revelation has since spurred her to make an appointment with her doctor and healthier choices in her life. Mrs. Webb said: "I didn't want the alert and then to do nothing with it. When the doctor had me resting my blood pressure was fine."

However, wearing a halter for two days monitoring her pressure showed some significant blimps in her pressure so rather than wait for medication to be necessary, Mrs. Webb changed her lifestyle.

She added: "My husband, Tyrone, and I are trying to eat healthier. We took out a lot of the sugars and carbs. We are also more aware of eating more vegetables."

Mr and Mrs Webb are on their way to a healthy lifestyle, which is what the 124 participants at the health fair need to do to tackle their obesity.

Obesity can lead to people being more likely to suffer from heart disease, certain types of cancer, diabetes, hypertension among others.

That means, according to Mr. Simons, the insurance companies could spend 33 percent more on someone who is obese then someone who is a regular size.

So as the Island gets fatter the premiums charged by insurance companies will go up even faster than inflation.

Mr. Simons added: "The health fair focuses the Island's attention on those issues. One health fair though will not make a difference.

"But the thing we are pleased with is that four years ago we launched the Wellness Programme and other groups and the community are actually involve in promoting the health of Bermuda.

"The recent challenge is one example. If we as a community can deal with obesity we can actually improve our health in several areas."