With the UK being branded as the ‘Fat Man’ of Europe people are being urged to think about the steps they can take to lead a healthier lifestyle.
Figures show that in the UK Obesity is on the increase with the UK leading the way and topping the table with 24.9pc of the population classified as obese.
Local authority East Riding of Yorkshire Council are urging residents to rethink their lifestyle and have issued a number of ideas of how people can tackle the problem.
Eating healthily
Eating healthily is all about planning in advance and ensuring you have an idea of how eating a healthy, balanced diet is an important part of maintaining good health, and can help you feel your best.
Councillor Jane Evison, portfolio holder for transforming lifestyles at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Getting to know your own health is important and where tools are available to encourage our motivation to be healthy, where possible I would encourage people to use them.
“We all have busy lives and most of us have access to smart devices, such as mobile phones where we can download the apps like Couch to 5K, Alcohol Checker and Easy Meals.”
Katie from Civilized Health agreed “A lot of the responsibility lies with the parents to ensure their kids exercise and eat well because the health and social implications of child obesity can be detrimental to a child.”
Walking just ten continuous minutes of brisk walking every day gets the heart pumping and can make you feel better, more energetic and improve your mood.
Over time, it can lower the risk of serious illnesses like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Whether you’re walking to work, stepping out at lunchtime, walking to the shops or local park or taking the dog for a walk, or just walking in your rural village, there are lots of ways you can fit ten minutes of brisk walking into your life. Exercising with your dog has a lot of other health benefits too and should make it easier to get out there and move your body with a partner-in-leash.
Councillor Evison added: “There is a free One You Active 10 app which shows how much brisk walking you are doing and where you can fit ten-minute bursts of brisk walking into your day.
“The app also sets you brisk walking goals and provides hints and tips to keep you going. Search ‘Active 10’ online to find out more or to download the app.”
Childhood obesity
Public Health England’s Change4Life is their flagship programme for preventing childhood obesity. Obesity is a major risk factor in many life-threatening and long-term conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, strokes and some cancers. Change4Life aims to improve those health behaviours, such as poor diet and lack of physical activity which can lead to obesity, particularly in children.
Councillor Evison went on to say:
“Our residents make many choices every day on how they wish to live their lives and in the East Riding; we are trying to make it easier for them to make the healthier choice.”
Fitmums and Friends
These popular regional running groups help improve fitness and provide an opportunity to socialise with like-minded people.
The sessions are friendly, sociable and supportive, and runners don’t have to be a mum, or fit; men and grandparents are all welcome.
Running groups are set up in many areas of the East Riding. To find locations or more information visit www.fitmums.org.uk
Live Well
Live Well is a 12 month healthy lifestyle referral programme that addresses weight management and physical activity for individuals (over 18 years) with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 45 and over.
The programme is delivered in the East Riding Leisure Centres and aims to provide tailored advice and support to reduce calorie intake, increase sustainable physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour.
Type ‘Live Well East Riding’ into your search engine or speak to your GP to find out more about the help available in your area.
