If every Brit lost 5lbs it could save NHS £100 million in ‘obesity wake up call’, Hancock says
IF EVERY Brit lost 5lbs it could save the NHS £100 million in an "obesity wake up call", Matt Hancock has claimed.
The Health Secretary has today declared coronavirus a “deadly wake-up call” for Britain to finally deal with the obesity epidemic.
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Mr Hancock explained being overweight put enormous pressure on the NHS, and getting fitter could boost the nation's health and finances.
Writing in , Mr Hancock said: "This deadly virus has given us a wake-up call about the need to tackle the stark inequalities in our nation's health, and obesity is an urgent example of this.
"If everyone who is overweight lost five pounds it could save the NHS more than £100million over the next five years. And more importantly, given the link between obesity and coronavirus, losing weight could be life-saving.
"Obesity is one of the greatest long-term health challenges that we face as a country.
"It not only puts a strain on our NHS and care system, but it also piles pressure on our bodies, making us more vulnerable to many diseases including, of course, coronavirus."
It comes as the Government unveiled a new “Better Health” campaign run by Public Health England that calls on everyone to “embrace a healthier lifestyle”.
It will be supported by the NHS with more referrals to Weight Management Services.
This morning the Prime Minister backed the plans and admitted he had been overweight himself.
He said: "When I went into ICU, when I was really ill, I was way overweight.
"I'm only about 5ft 10in, and you know, at the outside, and you know I was too fat."
BoJo spent three nights in intensive care during his battle with coronavirus and has now lost more than a stone, having previously hit 17st.
The PM put the transformation down to running, and told the nation they didn't need gyms to get fit.
He said: "There are amazing things you get on your phones these days, amazing apps, fantastic trainers that you can watch on Youtube.
"If you can get your weight down a bit then, and protect your health then you'll also be protecting the NHS.
"What we are doing now with our Better Health Strategy is just trying to help people a little bit to bring their weight down."
Under the plans, GPs will prescribe exercise, such as cycling and gym classes, and patients will be given access to weight loss websites.
Staff in doctors’ surgeries will also be trained as “healthy weight coaches” to give people advice on how to stay trim.
Meanwhile, shops will be banned from offering Buy One Get One Free deals on junk food and placing treats near store entrances and tills.
Large restaurants, cafes and takeaways must put calorie labels on menus, so customers can make informed choices.
And adverts for food high in fat, sugar or salt will be axed from TV and websites before the 9pm watershed.
The NHS 12-step plan to help you lose weight
FROM faddy diets to dodgy detoxes - most of us have heard it all before when it comes to weight loss.
But burning fat can be easy and mostly free.
In fact, the NHS has a whole load of medically-approved tips for weight loss and shedding body fat once and for all...
- Don't skip breakfast
Skipping breakfast will not help you lose weight. You could miss out on essential nutrients and you may end up snacking more throughout the day because you feel hungry. - Eat regular meals
Eating at regular times during the day helps burn calories at a faster rate. It also reduces the temptation to snack on foods high in fat and sugar. - Eat plenty of fruit and veg
Fruit and veg are low in calories and fat, and high in fibre – 3 essential ingredients for successful weight loss. They also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals. - Get more active
Being active is key to losing weight and keeping it off. As well as providing lots of health benefits, exercise can help burn off the excess calories you cannot lose through diet alone. - Drink lots of water
People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. You can end up consuming extra calories when a glass of water is really what you need. - Eat high fibre foods
Foods containing lots of fibre can help keep you feeling full, which is perfect for losing weight. Fibre is only found in food from plants, such as fruit and veg, oats, wholegrain bread, brown rice and pasta, and beans, peas and lentils. - Read food labels
Knowing how to read food labels can help you choose healthier options. Use the calorie information to work out how a particular food fits into your daily calorie allowance on the weight loss plan. - Use a smaller plate
Using smaller plates can help you eat smaller portions. By using smaller plates and bowls, you may be able to gradually get used to eating smaller portions without going hungry. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain it's full, so eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full. - Don't ban foods
Do not ban any foods from your weight loss plan, especially the ones you like. Banning foods will only make you crave them more. There's no reason you cannot enjoy the occasional treat as long as you stay within your daily calorie allowance. - Don't stock junk food
To avoid temptation, do not stock junk food – such as chocolate, biscuits, crisps and sweet fizzy drinks – at home. Instead, opt for healthy snacks, such as fruit, unsalted rice cakes, oat cakes, unsalted or unsweetened popcorn, and fruit juice. - Cut down on alcohol
A standard glass of wine can contain as many calories as a piece of chocolate. Over time, drinking too much can easily contribute to weight gain. - Plan your meals
Try to plan your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the week, making sure you stick to your calorie allowance. You may find it helpful to make a weekly shopping list.
Ministers will consult on expanding this to cover all times of day and night.
Other consultations will be for calorie labels on alcohol and compulsory traffic light labelling on food packaging.
The details feature in the Government’s obesity strategy, which has been expanded to target adults as well as kids.
The document, published today, shows adults are eating 200 to 300 more calories a day than they need.
'WAKE-UP CALL'
Children who are already overweight are eating 500 calories a day too many.
Health charities last night welcomed the “world-leading” plans.
But critics said it will push up food prices and see cash-strapped families losing out on supermarket bargains.
Evidence of a link between obesity and increased risk from Covid was a “wake-up call” to ministers.
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PHE chief nutritionist Dr Alison Tedstone said: “These bold measures will help us tip the scales on obesity.”
But Tim Rycroft, of the Food and Drink Federation, said ministers should promote fruit and veg instead of banning offers.
