DIABETES is a greater risk than cancer to obese people, a Bolton doctor has warned.

New research published in the Lancet Medical Journal Being claimed being overweight and obese puts people at greater risk of developing 10 of the most common cancers.

Yet Brian Newman, a consultant surgeon, said diabetes is a greater threat to the people who are overweight and obese.

Mr Newman, who runs Diet UK in Newlands Medical Centre, Heaton, said: “The link between obesity and cancer is one that has been known for a long time.

“The real threat of obesity is diabetes — particularly type 2 diabetes.

“There is an increase in cancers with obesity but the effect on the NHS compared to that of diabetes is miniscule.

“The NHS is not going to be able to deal with these numbers of people.

“I think it will cripple the NHS within 20 years.”

Mr Newman’s comments come after scientists calculated individuals carrying this extra weight could contribute to more than 12,000 cases of cancer in the UK population every year.

They warn if obesity levels continue to rise there may be an additional 3,700 cancers diagnosed annually.

The most common cancers included those of the uterus, cervix, thyroid, kidney, liver and colon.

Post-menopausal breast cancer and leukaemia were also a heightened risk to those suffering from obesity, the scientists added.