Bucks Council back national campaign to combat lockdown weight gain
They say small changes could make a big difference
Buckinghamshire Council is backing a national campaign to help people lose lockdown weight.
The new campaign offers free evidence-based support and guidance to those working towards a healthier weight.
There are a variety of NHS endorsed apps which will help people to introduce changes that will help them eat better and get active this summer, including the newly updated NHS Weight Loss Plan app.
New research, due to be published shortly by Public Health England, suggests that those who used and followed the NHS Weight Loss Plan app over 12 weeks, reported a loss on average of almost a stone (5.8kg).
The move follows a nationwide survey of over 5,000 adults which revealed that over 4 in 10 (41%) adults in England say they have put on weight since the first lockdown in March 2020.
Those who put weight on gained on average half a stone (4.1kg), with 1 in 5 (21%) reporting putting on a stone or more (6.1kg-9kg). In adults aged 35-65 years old, the average weight gain for those who put on weight rises to over 10lbs (4.6kg) nationally.
A high proportion (89%) of adults who said they gained weight since March 2020 said it was important for them to introduce new healthy habits this summer, with nearly half (49%) saying they would like to have a healthier diet.
Half of adults (53%) feel optimistic about making the changes they desire, and a majority (57%) would welcome more advice on eating more healthily, ideas for doing so on a budget, and ideas for exercise routines.
Carl Jackson, Buckinghamshire Council's Deputy Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing (Public Health), said:
“We are proud to be supporting the Better Health campaign and we encourage our residents to live healthier lives.
“We know the importance of being more physically active and eating more healthily. This campaign complements some of the other campaigns we have running in Buckinghamshire, including ‘Take a walk, not the car’, Active Communities and the Holiday Activities and Food programme.
“Getting started is often the hardest bit, but help is at hand. Buckinghamshire Council has lots of resources for people to make use of, we really want to be there to help people who are looking to be more active.
"This is not about making people look like Olympians, its just about being healthier and more active. It can also be done with friends, having that social aspect really does make it easier and more enjoyable."
"In Buckinghamshire we have a free healthy lifestyle support service called ‘Live Well Stay Well’ which offers advice on losing weight, getting more active, stopping smoking and drinking less.
"To start your journey to better health, visit the Live Well Stay Well website or call 01628 857 311 to see how they can help lead a help you lead a healthier lifestyle. You could also search ‘Better Health’ or visit nhs.uk/BetterHealth for free tools and support.”
Live Well Stay Well is currently offering two free services to support people to lose weight (subject to eligibility criteria):
- 12 weeks of free Slimming World
- 12 weeks of tailored support through specialist weight management Advisor at Live Well Stay Well