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With the review of evidence from Public Health England that being obese or overweight puts you at great risk of serious illness from Covid-19, we look at the measures the Governments are putting in place to tackle the issue and self-care to help you in your way to a fit and healthy mind and body.

The government have announced a series of measures as part of it’s new obesity strategy to get the nation fit and healthy.

The Department of health and Social care published details of the new package on Monday designed to help people lose weight alongside their “better health” campaign.

Obesity is one of the biggest health crises in the UK and with the news that you’re at a greater risk of serious illness or even death from coronavirus if you’re obese, the urgency of tackling obesity has been brought to the forefront by the Government.

According to recent figures, two-thirds (63 per cent) of adults in England are overweight or living with obesity and one in three children leave primary school overweight or obese, with obesity-related illnesses costing the NHS £6 billion a year.

 “Losing weight is hard but with some small changes we can all feel fitter and healthier. “If we all do our bit, we can reduce our health risks and protect ourselves against coronavirus – as well as taking pressure off the NHS.”

                                                                                     Prime Minister Boris Johnson 

So what is the government proposing to help with the crisis?

  • New laws will be introduced to ban the advertising of foods high in sugar, fat or salt online and on TV before 9pm.
  • Legislation will restrict the promotion of buy one get one free offers for foods high in fat, sugar and salt.
  • Calorie labels will be required to be added to food sold by large cafes, takeaways and restaurants with more than 250 employees.
  • Before the end of 2020, the government plan to launch a new consultation to introduce calorie labelling on alcohol.
  • The government will look into opinions and evidence on the effectiveness of the current traffic light system used on front-of-pack food labelling.
  • Finally, the government will be extending it weight management services to offer people access to the support they need to lose weight with self-care apps and online help tools. From 2021, doctors will be offered incentives to give support to people living with obesity through health weight coaches and prescription exercise such as cycling.

What can you do to kick-start your weight loss journey now?

Starting a weight loss journey can be daunting, especially with the pressures of modern life. The current coronavirus crisis has put a strain on the mental and physical health and wellbeing of the majority of the country, with many people reporting weight gain during lockdown being an added stress.

If you would like to book a free weight loss consultation please click here or call us on 01626 777027