CHILDHOOD obesity, sexually transmitted infections, alcoholism and lung disease are all on the rise, according to a new health report for South Worcestershire.

The report, by the Director of Public Health, reflects the state of the population's health in 2004 - and it does not appear to be all that well.

According to the study, 654 people are now infected with the STD chlamydia, compared with 571 diagnosed in 2002. There has also been a rise in childhood obesity among five-year-olds between 1999 and 2004, from 10 to 13 per cent.

Drinking is also a worry, with 70 per cent of late-night patients at A&E departments there because of excess alcohol. Also, smoking is the main cause of new research into the lung condition chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which affects 3,366 people.

Dr Tim Davies, director of public health at South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, said: "One of our greatest concerns is childhood obesity. We are very aware of this health time-bomb and if the trend continues into adulthood, children will have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.

"As for the rise in cases of chlamydia, we will reinforce the message of the need for condoms."

"The number of people living with this condition will actually be higher because the most common cause is cigarette smoking.

"As for the rise in cases of chla-mydia, we will re-inforce the mes-sage of the need for condom usage and we will continue to work with GPs and on health promotion training programmes in schools, colleges and with other targeted groups.

"As for alcohol misuse, it is difficult to get the message across that this harms the health of individuals and, in some cases, leads to antisocial behaviour.