Hospital patients have been banned from using the toilet if they weigh more than 19 stone after dozens of facilities are damaged.

The warning about the new facility restrictions was issued in the men's toilets at Buckland Hospital in Dover, Kent.

The sign read: 'Please note that this toilet has a maximum weight limit of 121kg/19stone.

The warning about the new facility restrictions was first issued in the men's toilets at Buckland Hospital in Dover, Kent (pictured)

'If your weight is above this, please see a member of staff who will direct you to the appropriate facilities.'

It is thought that the NHS Trust has introduced the restrictions after dozens of facilities were being cracked or pulled away from the walls.

Overweight patients are now being redirected to use reinforced toilets that have a breaking strain of 32 stone.

Overweight patients are now being redirected to use reinforced toilets that have a breaking strain of 32 stone

One in four members of the public in Britain is currently classified as obese which is leading to further health problems including heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Obesity is thought to be costing the NHS more than £1billion a year to combat.

A spokesman for East Kent Hospitals said: 'Some of our wall mounted toilets are only suitable for use by staff and visitors up to certain weights. However, we have other toilets in the hospital that are not wall mounted and don't have any weight restrictions and are suitable for patients or visitors of any weight'.