Millions of people are now overweight

The money, to be targeted primarily at deprived areas, will help train health workers to provide advice and support to those who want to lose weight.

Almost a quarter of adults in the UK are estimated to be obese.

Illnesses related to obesity, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes, are already believed to claim at least 30,000 lives each year.

Obesity has rapidly become a serious problem. Melanie Johnson

The National Audit Office has estimated that it costs the NHS at least �500m annually - and the wider economy �2bn.

Announcing the latest funding, public health minister Melanie Johnson said: "Obesity has rapidly become a serious problem, with over half of the population recorded as either overweight or obese.

"It is essential that people eat healthily and stay active if they are to stave off the threat of killer diseases like cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and cancer.

"But we can't force people to be healthy nor tell them how to lead their lives.

"What we can do is provide them with the information, advice and support to make their own choices.

"And this job starts with the healthcare professionals."

Hesistant to bring up topic

Miss Johnson said the new funds would help to ensure health workers received the necessary training to get people thinking about the things they eat and how to be more active, and to support them in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The Department of Health said that research showed that GPs and other health staff were uncomfortable about raising the issue of weight with their patients and were not confident about the advice they should be giving.

Research also found that doctors were not always aware of the services to which they could refer patients for help with weight loss.

A directory is being produced for primary care trusts, with details of training courses available in obesity prevention and management.

One such service is the Counterweight Programme where experienced dieticians give nurses and GPs training and support over six months.

Dr Ian Campbell, chairman of the National Obesity Forum, told the BBC News website the new funding was potentially signficant.

He said: "It is much needed, and overdue, but it will make a difference.

"There is growing evdience that people can be helped to lose weight and keep it off in a primary care setting, and that GPs and practice nursesare best placed to deliver weight management to the community."