Health leaders urge local people to get active on World Obesity Day

On World Obesity Day (4 March 2023), health leaders across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are urging people to get active.

Around one in every three adults in our area is living with overweight or obesity and it is a significant health issue within our local population. Obesity is a serious health concern and increases the risk of many other health conditions including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• Some types of cancer
• Stroke

Health leaders are urging people to take advantage of the free programmes that are available to support them to lose weight.

Sanhita Chakrabarti, Deputy Medical Director, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“Obesity is a significant problem nationally and in our local area. We are committed to working with our communities to reduce the levels of obesity in both adults and children. It is incredibly important that people are exercising regularly and eating as healthily as possible and there is free support available to our local residents to help them with this.”

There are a range of inclusive programmes and resources available to people across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes for both adults and children, including:

• MoreLife (Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes) – MoreLife deliver a range of free programmes to help adults, children, families and pregnant women with their diet and activity.
• Total Wellbeing Healthy Lifestyles (Luton) – free healthy lifestyles programmes for adults, pregnancy and children and families.

There are also a number of activities across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes including local walks, sports teams, play areas, exercise classes and cycle routes. Information can be found on the websites below:

Bedford Borough

Central Bedfordshire

Luton

Milton Keynes

Vicky Head, Director of Public Health for Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and City of Milton Keynes, said:

“We know that many families are struggling to afford the basics right now, and that makes healthy choices even harder. I would encourage you to take advantage of the free support that is available; our friendly teams can help you to make small changes that will make a big difference.”