New campaign reveals health benefits to losing weight

The government’s new Better Health campaign offers free support and guidance to people working towards a healthier weight.

It is estimated that over 3 in 5 adults are at an increased risk from serious diseases and becoming seriously ill with Covid-19 as a result of being overweight.

The new campaign was launched this week to help people prevent risks of developing serious illness and help reduce the risk of being hospitalised with Covid-19, bringing to life the health benefits of being a healthier weight through a full body x-ray animation.

Better Health is working in partnership with 15 weight management and physical activity partners who are providing both free and discounted offers and the website will also signpost to local weight management support.

From reducing the risk of serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and up to 12 types of cancer, to lowering the chances of being hospitalised with COVID-19, the multimedia campaign highlights the serious health conditions which could be prevented by losing excess weight and offers free support and guidance to achieve this goal.

The new campaign highlights 6 benefits that could have a lasting impact on a person’s health by being a healthier weight:

• Decreased risk of common cancers (colon, liver, pancreas, kidney)
• Lowered risk of increased blood pressure
• Reduced risk of heart disease
• Less risk of developing diabetes
• Less strain from chronic back and joint pain
• Decreased risk of being hospitalised or becoming seriously ill with COVID-19

GP and TV Doctor, Dr Hillary Jones, said: ‘These 6 benefits highlight the impact of carrying excess weight, and the range of benefits that can be achieved by reducing your weight. Small changes every day can help you lose weight and feel healthier.

‘With Better Health, there are a variety of free NHS endorsed apps, resources and online tools to help people introduce simple changes that will help them eat better and get active this new year, including the NHS Weight Loss Plan, Couch to 5K and Active 10 apps.’

Public Health Minister Maggie Throup added: ‘The Better Health campaign returns today, focusing on improving adults’ health and helping them get to a healthier weight.

‘January is a great time of the year for making resolutions and I hope that people can use this as a kick start moment to be more active and eat healthier – especially when losing body weight can have such a positive impact on our health, including reducing the chance of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19.’

Photo by Arek Adeoye