A new national campaign is under way to encourage millions of adults to kick start their health and reduce their risk of serious illness, including Covid-19.
The campaign – unveiled as part of the Government’s new Obesity Strategy – encourages adults to introduce changes that will help them work towards a healthier weight, with a suite of free tools and apps supporting people to eat better, drink less alcohol and get active.
This includes a new app for the free 12-week NHS Weight Loss Plan, helping people make healthier food choices and learn skills to prevent weight gain.
The current evidence does not suggest that having excess weight increases people’s chances of contracting Covid-19.
However, data shows that obese people are significantly more likely to become seriously ill and be admitted to intensive care with Covid-19 compared to those with a healthy BMI.
PHE has released a new film explaining how weight gain happens, the impact that it has on our bodies and how it increases the risk of serious diseases.
The film helps people know when to act and encourages them to visit the Better Health website to find out about the available support.
Dr Claire Sullivan, deputy director for Health, Wellbeing and Workforce at PHE North-East, said: “Better Health is a brand new nationwide campaign that will encourage adults across the North-East to kick start their health and reduce their risk of serious illness, including Covid-19.
“We know that gaining weight often happens gradually and it can be hard to lose weight and keep it off – this campaign will make it easier for everyone to introduce changes that will help them eat better, lose weight and get active.
“In the North-East nearly 65% of adults are overweight or obese and this campaign can help them make healthier food choices and learn skills to prevent weight gain.
“It is a welcome addition to the already innovative work taking place with our partners across the North East to address this issue and also the root causes of obesity.
“It’s never too late – or too early – to make changes that will have a lasting impact on your health.”
Many people have used lockdown as an opportunity to change habits and adopt healthier behaviours, yet research has shown over half the population has found it harder to stay healthy during this time.
While staying active is important to help people lose weight and keep it off, improving diet is most critical as most people are consuming more calories than they need.
Alongside mass nationwide promotion, the campaign will specifically target areas and groups that are most affected by obesity and excess weight.
Evidence shows that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities are disproportionately affected by obesity as well as Covid-19.
The Better Health campaign is one of a raft of measures that have been revealed as part of the Government’s new Obesity Strategy.
A range of campaign partners including WW, weight watchers reimagined, Slimming World and GetSlim are offering exclusive discounts to coincide with the launch.
Search ‘Better Health’ or visit nhs.uk/betterhealth for free tools and support to start leading a healthier lifestyle today.
